Little Rock, AR – A quiet, sunny Wednesday gives way to a cold, cautious end to the week as freezing rain threatens parts of Central Arkansas late Thursday into early Friday. Temperatures near freezing will combine with incoming moisture, setting up a slick-weather scenario for late-week travel across the Little Rock metro.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Little Rock say rain could begin before midnight Thursday, briefly mixing with freezing rain after 1 a.m., especially in elevated or rural areas north and west of the city. While ice accumulation should stay light, even a thin glaze may create black ice on bridges and untreated roadways, particularly along I-40, I-30, and Highway 67 during early commutes.
Calm winds and cold air near 29°F to 32°F will keep surfaces slick through sunrise before temperatures slowly climb above freezing Friday morning. The system clears by midday Friday, giving way to dry and partly sunny conditions for the weekend with highs reaching the upper 40s to low 50s.
Residents are urged to use caution on elevated roads, avoid sudden braking, and check weather alerts before traveling.
Five-Day Outlook for Little Rock, AR:
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 40°F.
- Thursday Night: Rain/freezing rain chance, low 29°F.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high 45°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 52°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 52°F.
