November 2021 Weather and Its Impacts on Missouri

Pat Guinan
Extension/State Climatologist
University of Missouri

Seasonably mild weather occurred in Missouri during November with preliminary data indicating a statewide average temperature of 45.5°F, 1.9 degrees above the long-term average. The month followed a trend of mild Novembers over the past 20+ years where 18 out of 24 Novembers, or 75% of them, have been above average since 1998, Figure 1. Most November days this year had high temperatures in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 30's and 40's with no extended periods of cold extremes, Figure 2. It was the fourth consecutive month of warmer than average conditions, Figure 3, and the warmest autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) since 2016, Figure 4. It also ranked as the 8th warmest autumn on record for Missouri.

Preliminary rainfall data for November indicate a statewide average total of 1.05 inches, or 1.86 inches below the monthly long-term average of 2.91 inches, Figure 5. It was the third month since August with below average precipitation, Figure 6, and driest autumn since 2017, Figure 7.

According to radar estimates, heaviest monthly totals occurred over parts of northwestern, west central and southern Missouri where 1-2.5 inches were common, Figure 8. Lighter amounts, generally less than 1-inch, were reported across the rest of the state. With the exception of a thin corridor in northwestern Missouri, rainfall was below normal statewide.

Winter weather and severe storm events were non-existent during the month, but there were vibrant fall colors and beautiful sunsets during the month, Figures 9 and 10.

As of November 30, 2021, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated abnormally dry conditions impacting more than 1/3 of Missouri, especially across the eastern half of the state, Figure 11. A small area of moderate drought was also noted over southeastern sections.

The sunny, mild November weather translated to state, county, and consumer savings associated with lower heating demand. As of November 28th, the Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service reported 88% of the topsoil moisture supplies in adequate condition and 85% of the subsoil moisture supply as adequate. Soybean harvest was 95% complete, compared to the 5-year average of 95%. Winter wheat progressed to 94% planted compared to the 5-year average of 94%. Winter wheat was reported to be 86% emerged, 5 percentage points higher than the 5-year average, and 62% in good to excellent condition. The state reported 87% of its hay supplies and other roughages as adequate, and 95% of the stock water supplies adequate.

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Source: Pat Guinan, 573-882-5908