Arkansas wakes up under clear skies, crisp air, and a sharp temperature contrast that unfolds fast.
Early morning feels cool in central Arkansas, with thermometers hovering in the upper 30s. Calm winds keep the air still, but that calm does not last. Sunshine quickly takes over, pushing temperatures sharply upward through the morning hours. By afternoon, Little Rock surges toward the low 70s, an unusually warm jump for early February.
Meteorologists describe today as a classic rapid warm-up. Dry air and full sun allow temperatures to climb efficiently. Winds turn light northerly later, occasionally gusting near 20 mph, but travel remains smooth across I-30 and I-40. The biggest adjustment comes in clothing choices, not road conditions.
Tonight brings another quick shift. Clear skies return, allowing temperatures to drop back into the low 30s. The swing sets up classic February conditions where melted moisture can refreeze by daybreak. Drivers should remain alert on bridges and shaded roadways early Saturday.
Saturday cools slightly but stays pleasant. Afternoon highs settle near 51 degrees, with sunshine dominating the sky. Saturday night turns chilly again, dipping near 33 degrees. Sunday rebounds strongly, warming back into the upper 60s under partly sunny skies.
By early next week, the warming trend strengthens. Monday climbs back into the low 70s, feeling more like late March. Clouds increase Monday night, and a slight chance of showers arrives after midnight into Tuesday. Rain chances remain modest, but they signal a pattern shift.
Looking farther ahead, above-normal temperatures appear likely for much of next week across Arkansas. While winter is not finished, extended warmth hints that springlike weather may gain ground soon.
Plan layers today, watch for refreezing overnight, and enjoy the weekend warmth. How dramatic did the temperature swing feel where you are in Little Rock?
Five-Day Outlook – Little Rock, AR
- Today: Sunny, rapid warm-up. High 72°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, cooler. High 51°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny, warmer. High 67°F
- Monday: Partly sunny and warm. High 72°F
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, chance of showers. High near 70°F
