July 2024 Weather and Its Impacts on Missouri

Dr. Pat Guinan Climatologist Extension Associate Professor Emeritus

Dr. Zachary Leasor Assistant Professor Missouri State Climatologist

Seasonably cool temperatures impacted Missouri in July with preliminary data indicating a statewide average temperature of 76.1°F, or 1.6° below the long-term average, Figure 1. It was the second cooler than average month for the year, Figure 2. Using Columbia, MO as a midpoint for the state, daily maximum temperatures for July were mostly below average, generally climbing into the 80s, Figure 3. There were brief periods of hotter weather during the month when temperatures reached the 90's. With one exception, there was no triple digit reported statewide during the entire month. A cooperative observer located 2 miles north-northeast of Ozark Beach MO, in Taney County, reported a high temperature of 101°F on July 3rd.

Minimum temperatures were mostly in the 60's with some 70's reported during the month. There were more above average minimum temperature days than maximum temperature days due, in part, to above average dew point temperature. High dew points elevate minimum air temperatures while suppressing maximum temperatures. The high July dew points this year followed the trend Missouri has experienced over the past few decades, Figure 4.

Preliminary data indicate the statewide average rainfall total was 5.55 inches, or 1.84 inches above the long-term average, Figure 5. There have been five months this year with above average precipitation, Figure 6. Most precipitation fell during the first half of the month with lighter amounts during the latter half of July.

According to radar-estimated rainfall, Figure 7, heaviest rainfall occurred over portions of central and east central Missouri where 8-12 inches were common. A few areas reported more than 14-inches for the month. St. Louis Lambert Airport and Columbia Regional Airport reported their 6th (8.39") and 3rd (11.23") wettest July on record, respectively. Driest conditions were across parts of northwestern, southwestern and southeastern Missouri. Heaviest and lightest July rainfall totals are listed in Table 1.

Missouri highest and lowest rain gauge reports* for July 2024
	Location	County	Total (in.)
Highest
	Arnold 0.3E	Jefferson	15.92
	Washington 3.3ESE	Franklin	15.84
	Webster Groves 1.6NNE	St. Louis	14.13
	St. Louis 5.7SW	St. Louis City	13.47
	Hallsville 0.5ENE	Boone	12.66
Lowest
	Burlington Junction	Nodaway	1.05
	Nevada 6.3ESE	Vernon	1.15
	Lamar 7.3N	Barton	1.40
	Butler 0.8SSW	Bates	1.50
	Tarkio #2	Atchison	1.68
*Reports are from the NWS cooperative network and CoCoRaHS.
Table 1.

July had some stormy periods with a preliminary count of 171 severe weather reports documented in Missouri, Figure 8. Specifically, 4 tornadoes, 150 severe wind (≥58 mph) and 17 severe hail (≥1.00") incidents were recorded. The remnants of Hurricane Beryl impacted the southeastern third of Missouri on July 9th, dropping 1-5 inches across the area. It was the first named tropical system to impact Missouri in nearly four years.

All of Missouri was "drought-free", according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, released on July 30, 2024, Figure 9. There was an area of abnormally dry conditions reported in some southwestern border counties, from southern Cass County southward to McDonald County, as well as adjacent Barry County and extreme southwestern Lawrence County.

According to the Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress and Condition report, from July 28, 2024, 11% of the state reported topsoil moisture supplies in short to very short condition with 84% of the state reporting topsoil moisture in adequate condition and 5% surplus. Statewide subsoil condition was reported 0% very short and 6% short, 92% adequate and 2% surplus.

Twenty percent of the corn was reported to be in excellent condition, 58% good, 14% fair, 4% poor and 4% very poor, while soybean was 15% excellent, 60% good, 18% fair, 4% poor and 3% very poor. Pasture was 13% excellent, 72% good, 14% fair, 1% poor and 0% very poor. Hay and other roughages were reported 0% very short, 3% short, 86% adequate and 11% surplus. Stock water supplies were 0% very short, 2% short, 92% adequate and 6% surplus.

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Source: Dr. Pat Guinan and Dr. Zack Leasor | 573-882-5908