Excessive Heat in Jasper, Missouri

Regional temperatures during August averaged 1-2 degrees above normal across northern, central, south central and southeastern sections, and 2-4 degrees above normal over southwestern Missouri. Central Missouri and the Ozark region averaged between 76-78F. Southwestern Missouri region averaged between 79-81F. Notable outliers were far southwestern counties where average August temperatures averaged between 83-84F. The average August temperature for Joplin, MO was 84.0F, or 4.3 above normal.

The hottest day of the summer occurred on August 2 when triple digit heat impacted much of the state. Numerous locations, especially across west central and southwestern sections, witnessed their hottest temperatures in more than 25 years. Some high temperature records include 108F at Springfield and 110F at several locations in southwestern Missouri. The southwestern communities of Eldorado Springs (Cedar Co.) and Protem (Taney Co.) reached 111 and 113, respectively.

As a result of the heat, middle aged, homeless man was found dead by a local resident during the afternoon of August 1st. Coroners reports indicate the man died of heat related stress in combination with alcohol.

A persistent area of high pressure and an upper level ridge over the region allowed temperatures to climb into the lower 100s with heat index values around 110 degrees. Numerous heat related illnesses were reported during the period.