Cold air has settled across central Arkansas, draping Little Rock in a gray, misty chill this morning. With temperatures holding near 37°F, even a slight dip could turn drizzle into a slippery mix of sleet and rain later today. The result? Roads that look wet but hide a thin glaze of ice — the kind that can sneak up fast on bridges and shaded curves.
The National Weather Service in Little Rock reports a 20% chance of rain and sleet through the afternoon as a weak disturbance slides east along the I-40 corridor. While no significant accumulations are expected, surface temps near freezing mean untreated roadways, overpasses, and sidewalks could become slick for a brief window before sunset.
Drivers should stay alert and allow extra travel time, especially along I-30, I-40, and downtown routes where early commuters may encounter patches of freezing drizzle. Wind chills will linger in the low 30s, keeping the air brisk and damp.
By Friday, sunshine returns with highs near 45°F, marking the start of a warming trend that continues into the weekend. Saturday will be mostly sunny and mild, near 52°F, before another weak system brings clouds and spotty showers by Sunday night.
Long-range models hint at a colder, more active pattern returning by December 11–17, with the potential for broader winter weather across the Ozarks, Midwest, and Great Lakes — a key window for early holiday travelers.
Five-Day Outlook (Little Rock, AR):
- Thursday: Chance rain/sleet; high 38°F, low 28°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny; high 45°F, low 32°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny; high 52°F, low 40°F.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy; high 51°F, low 30°F.
- Monday: Clear and cool; high 45°F.
