December 2024 Climate Summary

Overview and Graphics

December 2024 Climate Review:

The month of December averaged above normal by 2 to 4 degrees. We started the month with below normal temperatures during the first week with highs primarily in the 30s or 40s and lows falling into the 20s most nights. The coldest temperatures of the month occurred on the 5th and 6th when lows dipped into the teens. A warmer period returned from the 8th through 18th with highs in the 50s during much of this time, although 60s were experienced area wide on the 16th. A brief cooler stretch occurred from the 19th through 23rd when highs were mostly in the 40s and lows in the 20s. A pattern change back to warmer temperatures greeted us starting on Christmas Eve and continued through the end of the month. Highs in the 50s and 60s were experienced much of this time.

Precipitation averaged wetter than normal across much of the region. The wettest periods were from the 14th through 18th and again from the 27th through 29th. Most areas received anywhere from 4 to 8 inches for the month, which ranged from right near normal to 3 inches wetter than normal. Localized higher amounts over 8 inches were observed across southern portions of southeast Missouri, extreme southern Illinois, and the Jackson Purchase area of western Kentucky. The highest observed amount was 10.07 inches at Olmsted Lock and Dam.

The graphic below is an estimated multi-radar, multi-sensor (MRMS) monthly rainfall map using a combination of radar estimates and actual observations. Please note that actual rainfall observed at any location may vary slightly due to potential error in radar estimation and observation interpolation.

Map of monthly precipitation totals

December 2024 Review: Precipitation and Temperature Maps (Click on image to enlarge)

Climate Maps are from the Northeast Regional Climate Center

Monthly Summary Monthly climate statistics for Paducah, Evansville, and Cape Girardeau

Monthly climate statistics for Poplar Bluff and Carbondale

Monthly Climate Report: Paducah | Evansville | Cape Girardeau | Poplar Bluff | Carbondale

Records Listing of records for PAH, EVV, CGI, POF, MDH.

Record Event Reports: Paducah | Evansville | Cape Girardeau | Poplar Bluff | Carbondale