The climate of West Plains
Owing to its geographical position in the central United States,
West Plains,
Missouri, predominantly exhibits a Cfa or Humid subtropical climate under the Köppen climate classification. This labeling signifies the absence of a dry season in this region, meaning there is a sizable and distributed rainfall throughout the year.
Temperatures exhibit a broad range across the year. The average high temperature fluctuates between 41.9°F (5.5°C) in
January to a peak of 88.3°F (31.3°C) in
July. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature also varies, plummeting to a chilly 26.6°F (-3°C) in January and climbing up to 67.6°F (19.8°C) in July. But, irrespective of these conditions, the humidity remains relatively stable, with a subtle variation ranging from 74% to 80%.
Rainfall stands prominent in West Plains weather, with no month falling below 1.81" (46mm). The highest precipitation occurs in
May, measuring 4.17" (106mm), while the driest month is
September, with 1.81" (46mm) of rain. Yet, rainfall days are relatively constant from month to month, averaging around 15 days of precipitation each month.
Snowfall is mostly a winter affair, predominantly from January to
March, with the highest snowfall of 2.8" (71mm) occurring in
February. However, it is sporadic and eventually ceases entirely during warmer months.
The best time to visit West Plains
Sunshine lovers may find the period from
May through
August particularly enticing. During these months,
West Plains glows with an average of 10 hours of sunlight a day, and the UV index reaches a peak of 6. This period is also the warmest time of the year, with temperatures averaging between 75.6°F (24.2°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C). Though the occurrence of rain is present, it comes with reduced strength of precipitation, with rainfall ranging from 2.68" (68mm) to 4.17" (106mm).
The worst time to visit West Plains
The months of
January and
February carry the harshest weather conditions in
West Plains. During this period, the temperature plunges to an average low of 26.6°F (-3°C) to 30.2°F (-1°C). Alongside frigid temperatures, these months also bring about the highest snowfall, reaching up to 2.8" (71mm) in February. This period also records the least sunshine hours per day, with an average of 5.1 hours in January and slightly higher at 4.8 hours in February.
Spring weather in West Plains
Spring in
West Plains extends from
March to
May, witnessing an escalation in temperatures, ranging from a high of 56.1°F (13.4°C) to 75.6°F (24.2°C), and lows from 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 56.3°F (13.5°C). Over these months, the duration of sunshine per day grows from 6.3 hours to 8.8 hours. However, moisture levels rise during Spring, leading to higher rainfall, from 3.58" (91mm) in March to a peak of 4.17" (106mm) in May.
Summer weather in West Plains
West Plains greets Summer from
June through
August. This time brings in the warmest weather conditions, with temperature highs oscillating between 80.6°F (27°C) in June and 88.3°F (31.3°C) by
July. Nights maintain a warm ambiance, with lows ranging from 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 67.6°F (19.8°C). Despite more sunshine hours and lower relative humidity levels, Summer does not void of rain. Rainfall drops to its minimum in June at 2.68" (68mm) but ascends to 3.54" (90mm) by July.
Autumn weather in West Plains
Autumn months, from
September to
November, see a drift from heat towards cooler weather. High temperatures decline from a warm 80.6°F (27°C) in September to a more comfortable 54.9°F (12.7°C) by November. Similarly, nights become chiller, with temperature lows falling from 60.1°F (15.6°C) to 38.3°F (3.5°C) over the same period. November records the least rainfall in Autumn, ending up with 2.28" (58mm), yet daylight significantly shrinks in these months, with sunshine hours reducing to 5.6 hours by November.
Winter weather in West Plains
Winter in
West Plains is typically from
December to
February. These months primarily record the lowest temperatures, dropping between 26.6°F (-3°C) to 45.3°F (7.4°C). Snowfall also becomes a familiar sight during these months, with
January and February experiencing most snow. The weather remains relatively gloomy with fewer sunshine hours and increased cloud cover, creating a classic winter atmosphere.
Weather in January
The commencement of the calendar year in
West Plains,
Missouri is marked by typically chilly temperatures. As compared to
December, the mercury drops slightly, rendering
January slightly colder. The highest temperature is around 41.9°F (5.5°C) while the lowest is about 26.6°F (-3°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February witnesses a subtle escalation in temperature, indicating the imminent arrival of Spring. Nonetheless, the cold weather hangs around, with frosty winds casting a chilling effect. Notably, February experiences a marginal increase in snowfall, measuring 2.8" (71mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
West Plains transitions from Winter to Spring,
March brings perceptible weather changes. A significant leap in the temperature hints at the receding cold. Interestingly, with 3.58" (91mm), March sees the highest rainfall between
January and
June.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the arrival of
April, a noticeable spring transformation takes over
West Plains. Compared to
March, the increase in temperature is appreciable, marking a shift away from the remnants of Winter. The frequency of rainfall remains high, cultivating a lush and lively outdoor scene.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May heralds the advent of warmer weather in
West Plains, promising the beginning of Summer. An appreciable rise in temperature from
April to May fosters an increasingly comfortable climate. May, receiving 4.17" (106mm) of rain, sees the highest precipitation in the first half of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June stands as a beacon of summer, announcing its full-blown arrival in
West Plains. As compared to
May, the leap in maximum temperature to 86.4°F (30.2°C) is palpable. Simultaneously, a marked reduction in precipitation signals the recede of Spring showers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July revels in the summer glory, presenting the warmest temperatures of the year in
West Plains. With a peak temperature of 88.3°F (31.3°C), it indeed is the hottest month of the year. The whiff of summer is ubiquitous, with longer days, clear skies, and mild winds.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite a slight drop from
July’s peak,
August continues to maintain a warm climate in
West Plains. Though marginally lesser, the temperature remains quite high, perpetuating the summer ambiance. A stark feature of August is its reduced precipitation of 2.99" (76mm), which is the least from
May to
September.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the commencement of the Fall, bringing a perceptible change in the weather patterns of
West Plains. Though the month starts warm, a noticeable dip in temperature towards the end breaks the summer consistency.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings palpable autumn vibes to
West Plains, with a substantial drop in temperature from
September. The gradually receding daylight hours and the crisp winds bear the harbingers of Winter. An interesting trait of October is its increase in rainfall to 2.95" (75mm), following the drought-like conditions in September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November, Winter begins to cast its spell on
West Plains. A further dip in temperature, compared to
October, heralds the onset of the colder months. In a rare occurrence, the city experiences a snowfall of 0.39" (10mm). The days shorten dramatically, and the cool winds add a nip to the air.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December welcomes the full onset of winter to
West Plains. The dip in temperature is explicit, with temperatures barely reaching above 45.3°F (7.4°C). The occasional snowfall, measuring 1.54" (39mm), transforms the city into a winter wonderland.
Weather in December »