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Arkansas Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Cold Turns Dangerous
Little Rock, AR – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors become dangerous during an Arctic cold outbreak? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, Oc
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-26T07:12:55.580Z
Little Rock, AR – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors become dangerous during an Arctic cold outbreak? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Arkansas residents are being reminded that freezing temperatures combined with strong winds can increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined. Wind removes heat from the body faster, making already cold conditions more dangerous.
For example, an air temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit combined with 20 mph winds produces a wind chill of approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? NWS guidance indicates exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At substantially lower wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
Such extreme values are uncommon across much of Arkansas, but severe Arctic outbreaks can create dangerous exposure conditions.
Frostbite warning signs include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness. Suspected hypothermia requires urgent medical attention.
What's the Difference Between an Extreme Cold Watch and Warning? An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor updated forecasts.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should limit outdoor exposure and take protective precautions.
Wind chill does not make cars, pipes or other objects colder than the actual air temperature, although wind can cause them to cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can Arkansas Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Keep clothing warm and dry, replacing wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged phones available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, flashlight and winter emergency kit. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Arkansas From Little Rock and Pulaski County to Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fort Smith, Conway, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Hot Springs and Texarkana, dangerous cold can affect communities statewide.
Northwest Arkansas, including Benton and Washington counties, can experience bitter winter temperatures during Arctic outbreaks. Higher elevations across the Ozark Mountains may face additional exposure to strong winds.
The Ouachita Mountains near Mena and Mount Ida can also experience hazardous winter conditions, particularly along exposed ridges and mountain roads.
Across eastern Arkansas, open agricultural land in the Delta can leave outdoor workers and motorists vulnerable to strong winter winds.
In the Little Rock metropolitan area, commuters waiting for buses and people working outdoors may face increased exposure during severe cold.
Travelers along Interstate 40, Interstate 30, Interstate 49 and Interstate 55 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency supplies, check on vulnerable neighbors and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: Wind chill doesn't change the air temperature. It changes how quickly your body loses heat — and how quickly exposed skin can become injured.