Weather
Central Arkansas Weather Oct. 16–20: Heat Gives Way to Fall Chill
LITTLE ROCK, AR — Central Arkansas is heading toward a dramatic October cooldown, with temperatures in the Little Rock area falling from the lower 90s Thursday to overnight lows in the 40s this weeken
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-14T10:11:32.120Z
LITTLE ROCK, AR — Central Arkansas is heading toward a dramatic October cooldown, with temperatures in the Little Rock area falling from the lower 90s Thursday to overnight lows in the 40s this weekend before warmer weather returns next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, a strong change in weather conditions will bring gusty north winds Friday, followed by cooler temperatures and several days of sunshine.
The transition follows unusually warm conditions Thursday, when temperatures near Little Rock are expected to reach approximately 91 degrees.
By Friday afternoon, highs will fall to around 71 degrees, marking a 20 degree decline in just 24 hours.
Gusty Winds Usher in Cooler Weekend Weather Friday will bring the most noticeable weather change, with north winds increasing to 15 to 20 mph and gusts potentially reaching 30 mph.
The cooler conditions coincide with a broader pattern shift across the central United States.
NOAA's Weather Prediction Center reported Wednesday that strong high pressure moving southward from Canada would bring a significant temperature change to much of the central U.S. late this week.
For the Little Rock area, the colder air will become especially noticeable Friday night, when temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 47 degrees.
Saturday will remain sunny but noticeably cooler, with afternoon temperatures reaching only around 67 degrees.
By Saturday night, temperatures could fall further to approximately 43 degrees, creating a nearly 50 degree difference from Thursday's afternoon high.
Despite the sharp cooldown, the supplied Little Rock forecast does not indicate freezing temperatures or frost conditions.
Sunshine Returns as Temperatures Climb The cooler weather will not last long.
Sunday will bring sunshine and temperatures recovering into the lower 70s, offering more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
By Monday, highs are expected to reach approximately 78 degrees under mostly sunny skies.
Tuesday will bring another warming trend, with temperatures climbing to around 81 degrees and a slight chance of showers.
The forecast highlights a rapid transition from summerlike warmth to autumn conditions before temperatures recover early next week.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for a location approximately 3 miles south of Levy in the Little Rock metropolitan area of central Arkansas. Conditions elsewhere across Arkansas may vary.
Friday, Oct. 16: Mostly sunny and breezy, with north winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 30 mph. High near 71°. Overnight low around 47° under mostly clear skies, with gusts reaching 25 mph. Saturday, Oct. 17: Sunny and cooler, with northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts reaching 20 mph. High near 67°. Overnight low around 43° under mostly clear skies. Sunday, Oct. 18: Sunny and warmer, with a high near 73°. Overnight low around 49° under mostly clear skies. Monday, Oct. 19: Mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 78°. Overnight low around 56° under partly cloudy skies. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Mostly sunny, with a 20% chance of showers. High near 81°. Overnight low not available in the supplied forecast.