Arkansas – Clear skies and calm air give Little Rock a quiet winter feel, but a sharper cold is lining up for the weekend. Afternoon sunshine fades quickly, and temperatures fall fast after sunset. By Saturday night, winter tightens its grip across central Arkansas with a hard freeze expected.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, dry weather dominates through the weekend, but temperatures trend colder. Highs reach the mid-50s Friday before dropping into the low 40s Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows fall to near 31 degrees Friday night, then plunge into the upper teens Saturday night.
Across Pulaski County, no snow or ice is expected, yet freeze impacts remain important. Moisture from daytime melting or irrigation can refreeze after dark. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways may turn slick late at night and early morning, especially along I-30, I-40, and Highway 67/167.
Winds stay light overall, though a northwest breeze Saturday adds a brisk edge. Outdoor plans remain manageable during daylight hours, but evenings turn cold quickly. Residents should protect exposed pipes, bring pets indoors, and plan for frosty windshields during early drives.
Sunday stays sunny but cool, with highs near 41 degrees. Another cold night follows, with lows dipping into the mid-20s. While winter storms target other parts of the country, Arkansas still feels the chill from a broader cold pattern settling over the eastern U.S.
Looking ahead, temperatures gradually moderate early next week, but cold mornings linger. Winter isn’t finished yet, and preparation now helps avoid problems later. Plan errands for warmer afternoons and slow down after sunset when pavement cools fast.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Little Rock, AR
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 54°F
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 31°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 41°F
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 19°F
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 41°F
