Springfield, MO – The Springfield Airport reported its driest August on record, capping off a summer marked by wide swings in rainfall across southwest Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, the airport recorded only 0.19 inches of precipitation in August, nearly 3.5 inches below average. While this marks the driest August since records began, officials noted that some parts of Springfield and southwest Missouri received much more rain due to the highly localized nature of summer thunderstorms.
Temperatures were also notable during the month. The highest reading reached 99 degrees on Aug. 19, while the lowest dropped to 52 degrees on Aug. 26. The average temperature of 77.3 degrees came in just under one degree below normal.
Meteorologists said August featured four days with thunderstorms, three with heavy rain, three with light rain, and one day of dense fog. Despite scattered storms, much of the rainfall missed the Springfield Airport itself, leaving the official totals at historic lows.
The previous driest August on record occurred in 2000, when 0.34 inches of rain were measured. This year’s total was nearly half that amount.
Weather officials emphasized that localized rainfall patterns meant surrounding communities, including Joplin, Rolla and West Plains, may not have experienced the same extreme dryness. Additional climate summaries for the region are available through the National Weather Service.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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