Polk County Climate
Polk County, Missouri
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
56.0°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
Annual Snowfall
—
Extreme Heat Days
41
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
4,114
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Polk County
Climate Verdict
Polk County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 56.0°F, moderately wet with 45.5 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 41.1 per year above 90°F. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 32.2°F. summers are warm — July averages 78.0°F. The 46°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.
Regional Context
Polk County closely matches the Missouri statewide average temperature of 54.9°F.
Climate Profile
About Polk County Weather
Southern Missouri Warmth Above Median
Polk County averages 56.0°F annually, making it warmer than the national median. This southern Missouri location brings extended summer conditions and more annual rainfall than the US average.
Warm and Wet Southwest Missouri Peaks
Polk is warmer and wetter than the average Missouri county, with 45.5 inches of rain per year. It experiences 41 days of extreme heat, significantly higher than counties in the northern half of the state.
A Warm Foothold in the Southwest
Polk’s 41 extreme heat days align closely with the high-heat patterns seen in neighboring Phelps County. Its winters are milder than those in central counties like Pettis, with a winter average of 35.0°F.
Lengthy Summers and Mild Winters
The county faces 41 days of temperatures over 90°F and a July average of 78.0°F. While specific snowfall data is currently limited, winter averages remain relatively mild at 35.0°F.
Heavy Precipitation and Heat Readiness
Property owners should ensure basement waterproofing is sound to handle the 45.5 inches of annual rain. With 41 days of extreme heat, outdoor activities require careful planning during the peak afternoon hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.