Arkansas – Low gray clouds stretch across Little Rock this morning as steady moisture hangs in the air and damp pavement reflects early traffic lights. Drivers moving through downtown and along Interstate 30 are already seeing occasional light rain and slick roads as March weather settles over central Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, scattered showers will continue through the day with temperatures climbing toward 79 degrees. South winds between 5 and 10 mph may occasionally gust near 20 mph, keeping the air mild and slightly humid across Pulaski County.
The rain threat briefly eases later today before the next system begins organizing across the southern Plains. Meteorologists say storm chances increase again by Friday night as a cold front approaches Arkansas from Oklahoma and Texas.
By Saturday, rain coverage jumps dramatically. Showers and thunderstorms could reach near 90 percent coverage across central Arkansas, including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, and Conway. Some storms may bring heavy rain bursts and lightning, reducing visibility along Interstate 30, Interstate 40, and Highway 67.
Plan extra travel time this weekend. Wet roads and quick downpours could slow traffic, especially during heavier storms Saturday afternoon.
Conditions gradually improve Sunday as showers taper off early and skies brighten through the afternoon. High temperatures fall slightly into the upper 60s, giving the region a calmer finish to the weekend.
Early Sunday also marks the start of Daylight Saving Time, when clocks spring forward at 2 a.m. across Arkansas. March daylight increases quickly, and many areas will gain more than an hour of additional evening light this month.
Looking ahead, milder spring air returns early next week with temperatures rebounding into the upper 70s and near 80 degrees. Additional showers and thunderstorms may redevelop by midweek as the active spring pattern continues.
Traveling across central Arkansas this weekend? Let us know what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
Five Day Outlook for Little Rock, Arkansas
Friday: Partly sunny with chance of showers, high 82°F.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high 76°F.
Sunday: Slight chance of early showers, then mostly sunny, high 67°F.
Monday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, high 77°F.
Tuesday: Showers and storms possible, high 80°F.
