Little Rock, Arkansas – A noticeable late-winter warm-up could bring a preview of spring to Arkansas beginning Thursday, Feb. 26, as above-average temperatures settle across the state through Monday, March 2.
According to NOAA’s 6- to 10-day outlook issued Friday, above-normal temperatures are favored across much of the central and southern United States during the Thursday-to-Monday stretch, while precipitation trends near seasonal averages. That setup supports milder afternoons without a strong signal for prolonged heavy rainfall.
Statewide, highs may climb into the mid-60s to low 70s across central and southern Arkansas, including Little Rock, Pine Bluff and El Dorado. In northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville and Bentonville along the I-49 corridor, afternoon temperatures could run 5 to 10 degrees above late-February averages. Fort Smith and the Arkansas River Valley may also see consistently mild afternoons.
Rainfall appears closer to typical late-winter levels, meaning passing systems are possible but no widespread soaking event is strongly indicated at this time. Drivers along I-30 and I-40 should still monitor for patchy morning fog in low-lying areas if skies clear overnight and winds remain light.
Residents can take advantage of the milder stretch for outdoor plans, but late-winter variability remains possible. The warmer pattern is expected to hold through March 2, with additional updates if stronger systems begin organizing across the Southern Plains.
