What Is The Climate Of Missouri?
Missouri experiences a continental climate, meaning it has cold winters and hot summers. The state typically experiences four seasons, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Precipitation is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, but it is heaviest in the spring and summer months.
Average Temperatures
The average temperature in Missouri is about 54 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing.
Precipitation
Precipitation in Missouri is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. However, it is heaviest in the spring and summer months. Average annual precipitation is about 38 inches.
Snowfall and Ice
Snowfall and ice are common in Missouri during the winter. The state typically receives about 10 inches of snow each year. Ice storms are also common in the winter, and can cause hazardous driving conditions.
Tornadoes
Missouri is located in an area of the United States known as “Tornado Alley.” As a result, tornadoes are a common occurrence in the state. Missouri experiences an average of 17 tornadoes per year.
Climate Change
Like the rest of the United States, Missouri is experiencing the effects of climate change. Average temperatures in the state are increasing, and there is an increase in extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and severe storms. In addition, the frequency of tornadoes in the state is expected to increase in the coming decades.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.