Weather
Arkansas Thanksgiving Travel: Snow, Ice Concerns Nov. 18–24?
Little Rock, AR – Thanksgiving travelers across Arkansas could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation chances rise heading into November 18–24, bringing concerns about heavy rain
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-11-11T05:32:25.120Z
Little Rock, AR – Thanksgiving travelers across Arkansas could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation chances rise heading into November 18–24, bringing concerns about heavy rain, thunderstorms and the possibility of snow, freezing rain or icy conditions if colder air moves into the Natural State.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across Arkansas and much of the nation's Heartland from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The widespread wet pattern stretches from the western United States through the central Plains, Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast. Portions of the central Plains reach 70–80% probabilities of above normal precipitation, while Arkansas falls within the broader region favored for wetter than normal conditions.
Little Rock, Conway and Central Arkansas Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant and surrounding communities could experience periods of unsettled weather as the precipitation pattern develops.
Travelers along Interstate 30, Interstate 40 and Interstate 430 should monitor forecasts for rain, thunderstorms and potentially hazardous driving conditions.
Fayetteville, Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and surrounding communities could face periods of precipitation during the preholiday travel window.
Northwest Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains warrant attention for possible winter precipitation if sufficiently cold air overlaps with developing storm systems.
Interstate 49 and Interstate 40 are important corridors to monitor.
Fort Smith and Western Arkansas Fort Smith, Van Buren, Russellville and surrounding communities are positioned near the central Plains, where the broader outlook shows particularly strong precipitation signals.
Rain and thunderstorms are potential concerns, while snow or freezing rain would depend on temperatures and storm timing.
Jonesboro, West Memphis and Eastern Arkansas Jonesboro, Paragould, West Memphis, Forrest City and surrounding eastern Arkansas communities could also experience wetter than normal conditions.
Travelers along Interstate 40 and Interstate 55 should watch for changing conditions, particularly during periods of heavier rainfall.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Winter Weather Develop? The elevated precipitation signal arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, raising questions about possible travel disruptions across Arkansas.
Although NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the region, colder periods could still create opportunities for snow, sleet or freezing rain, particularly in northern Arkansas and higher elevations.
The 8–14 day outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the probability of a specific winter storm or ice storm.
With November 18–24 extending into the beginning of Thanksgiving week, Arkansas residents should monitor updated forecasts for storm timing, rainfall intensity, temperatures and potential highway impacts.