Little Rock, Arkansas – An unsettled but low-impact winter pattern may affect Arkansas late next week, with rain and snow chances increasing to around 50 percent between Jan 20 and Jan 26. While precipitation opportunities are expected, the overall setup suggests winter impacts will remain limited across most of the state.
According to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, Arkansas sits within a broader transition zone highlighted for increased precipitation during the 8–14 day period. Temperature trends, however, favor conditions mild enough to keep most precipitation in the form of rain, limiting the window for wintry weather.
Central and southern Arkansas, including Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Camden, and El Dorado, are most likely to see rain during passing systems. Daytime temperatures should remain above freezing, with rainfall spread out over several days rather than tied to a single impactful storm.
Northern Arkansas has a slightly higher chance of seeing brief snow or rain-snow mix, particularly overnight or during early morning hours. Areas near Fayetteville, Harrison, Mountain Home, and the Ozarks could see short-lived wintry precipitation if colder air arrives as moisture lingers. Even there, confidence in accumulation remains low.
Because precipitation chances are spread over time and impacts appear marginal, widespread travel disruptions are not anticipated. Still, slick spots could develop during early morning hours, especially on bridges, elevated roadways, and rural highways.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated outlooks as confidence improves closer to the timeframe. At this stage, winter weather impacts across Arkansas are expected to remain limited, with any advisories dependent on colder trends developing closer to late January.
