Weather/ Geographic Features

Missouri summers are generally long, warm, and humid, while winters are fairly brisk and invigorating. Temperatures range from below 0 F (-17° C) to 100° F (37.8° C). The temperature in January averages 30° F (-1° C); in the summer it averages 78° F (26° C).

Rainfall, a third of it occurring between April and June, varies between 34 inches (86.4 cm) and more than 50 inches (127 cm). One of the most amazing rainfalls occurred at Holt and June 22, 1947, when 12 inches (31 cm) of rain fell in 42 minutes, making a world's record.

Missouri's rainfall is generally adequate to support the state's crops. It's rainfall and it's natural drainage system make Missouri's soil ideal for farming in both the northern and southern regions. The combination of rain, soils and the temperature allows a growing season ranging from 210 days in the south to 170 days in the north.

Heavy snow is unusual for the state, but some snow falls between December and February. Missouri also rests in what the U.S. Weather Service call "Tornado Alley." Missouri has an average of twenty-seven dangerous twisters every year.

Missouri's Geographical Features:

Total Area; rank
69,709 sq.mi. (180,546 sq km); 21st

Land; rank
68,896 sq. mi (178,441 sq km); 18th

Water; rank
811 sq. mi. (2,100 sq km); 32nd

Inland water; rank
811 sq. mi. (2,100) sq km); 26th

Geographic center
Miller, 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Jefferson City

Highest point
Taum Sauk Mountain, 1,772 feet (540 m)

Lowest point
St. Francis River, 230 feet (70 m)

Largest city
Kansas City

Population; rank
5,137,804 (1990 census); 15th

Record high temperature
118° F (48° C) at Clinton on July 15, 1936, at Lamar on July 18, 1936, and at Warsaw and Union on July 14, 1954

Record low temperature
-40° F (-40° C) at Warsaw on February 13, 1905

Average July temperature
78° F (26° C)

Average January temperature
30° F (-1° C)

Average annual precipitation
40 inches (102 cm)