Little Rock, AR – Skies will turn darker and winds pick up across central Arkansas Friday night as a strong cold front sweeps toward the region, setting the stage for a wet, blustery weekend that could complicate post-Thanksgiving travel.
According to the National Weather Service, showers will increase Friday evening before widespread rain and thunderstorms arrive early Saturday. The system carries a 90–100% chance of rainfall, with gusts near 20 mph possible through midday. Most areas could see around an inch of rain, though isolated totals up to 2 inches are possible in the Arkansas River Valley.
Drivers heading along I-30, I-40, or Highway 67 should prepare for slick pavement and ponding water Saturday morning into the afternoon. Visibility may drop quickly during heavier bursts of rain, and gusty winds could make travel slower across open stretches. Meteorologists warn that a few stronger thunderstorms are possible before the front passes through by evening.
Behind the rain, cooler air rushes in. Sunday’s highs will only reach the low 40s, with north winds adding a sharp chill. Lows will dip into the mid-20s by Monday morning — a frosty reminder that December is near. Long-range models from NOAA show below-normal temperatures dominating the central U.S. through December 6, hinting at an early-season Winter Tease that could bring additional cold fronts next week.
Residents should keep umbrellas handy Saturday, bundle up Sunday, and watch for any early December frost or freeze advisories early next week.
Five-Day Outlook (Little Rock, AR)
Friday: Mostly sunny, high 51°F.
Saturday: Rain, storms likely, high 50°F.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, high 43°F.
Monday: Cold start, high 36°F.
Tuesday: Sunny, high 42°F.
