The first Tuesday of December greets Arkansas with slick conditions in some spots, especially across northeast Arkansas. Commuters from Jonesboro to West Memphis should use extra caution this morning — black ice may have formed on untreated roads, bridges, and shaded areas after temperatures dipped near freezing overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the ice risk is most pronounced through mid-morning before sunshine and dry air begin improving travel conditions. Even so, drivers are urged to slow down, avoid cruise control, and allow extra braking distance. Black ice often appears as a clear sheen that blends with pavement, making it nearly invisible until traction is lost.
Once the morning thaw begins, conditions will dry out statewide, with cool and quiet weather returning. Highs will range from the upper 30s in the northeast to the mid-40s across central and western Arkansas, including Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Russellville. Winds stay light, and skies gradually clear through the afternoon.
Forecasters expect dry and seasonably cold weather to hold through midweek. Wednesday will bring another cold start, with lows in the 20s to low 30s, before highs climb into the 40s again. By late week, a light warmup pushes temperatures toward the upper 40s and near 50°F in the west, though another front this weekend could bring clouds and a few showers.
Travelers and morning walkers should continue checking pavement before heading out, as shaded driveways and backroads can remain icy longer than main routes.
How’s your morning commute? Share where you’ve spotted icy patches — your updates help neighbors across Arkansas stay safe during this early-December chill.
