September weather acted like August in Missouri, says Pat Guinan, state climatologist with the University of Missouri Extension. Several locations, mostly in southern Missouri, saw record-setting heat.

Daily high temperatures reached into the 80- and 90-degree F ranges.

Drawing attention are temperatures that didn't drop to seasonal lows at night. The lowest temperatures at night set record highs.

Preliminary data shows the statewide average temperature for September was 74.7 degrees. That's 6.4 degrees above historic average.

The ranking may change slightly, but Missouri had its second-highest September temperature on record, Guinan says. It was the warmest since 1931.

Missouri's minimum average temperature was 63.8 degrees. That's 7.4 degrees above average. The low temperatures for the month set a state record.

Random rain

Precipitation was more varied across the state in September. Above-average rain fell across northern and west-central counties. Below-average rains were recorded in central, east-central and southern areas.

Radar and ground gauges showed 5 to 7 inches of precipitation in some areas, Guinan says. However, areas in southwestern Missouri showed only 2 inches of precipitation. There were pockets across the south that received a half-inch of rain or less. That's unusual dryness, he adds.

Overall, the state average rainfall was 3.58 inches, almost a half-inch below long-term average. September was the driest month since April.

Frost fear

October brings concerns over the first fall frost, Guinan notes.

Climatology shows the first light frost of 32 degrees or lower in the northern quarter of Missouri and eastern Ozarks is expected by mid-October, he says.

Central Missouri and the western Ozarks expect light frost by Oct. 21. Urban areas stay warm a few days longer. The Bootheel expects a light freeze by the end of October or early November.

But so far this year, Missouri hasn't had normal weather.

Source: The University of Missouri Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.