Arkansas – A pale winter sun climbs over central Arkansas, lighting damp ground and chilly breath in the air. The calm feel won’t last long. A quick warmup today gives way to a colder, drier pattern that raises freeze and slick-road concerns heading into the MLK Day holiday.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, temperatures climb into the low 50s today as clouds increase and west-northwest winds pick up. Gusts reach near 15 mph, enough to add a bite. Skies clear tonight, allowing temperatures to fall quickly toward 30 degrees by morning.
Saturday stays partly sunny but cooler. Highs reach only the low 40s, and the breeze keeps it feeling brisk through the afternoon. Once the sun fades, cold air settles in fast. Lows drop into the upper teens Saturday night, cold enough to freeze exposed pipes and leave frost on vehicles and bridges.
Sunday brings bright skies with limited warmth. Afternoon highs hover in the mid-40s, while shaded areas stay cold all day. Any moisture from melting frost or daytime activity may refreeze after sunset. Drivers along I-30, I-40, and neighborhood streets should watch for slick patches during early morning and evening travel.
MLK Day Monday remains mostly sunny but chilly. Highs hold near 42 degrees, with morning lows around 20. Conditions begin to ease Tuesday as temperatures rebound into the mid-40s. Looking ahead, rain chances increase midweek as milder air returns to the region.
Residents should protect plants, check pets, and plan extra travel time during colder mornings. Keep an eye on bridges and overpasses after dark. Feeling the cold where you live? Share how quickly roads cooled in your area.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Little Rock, Arkansas
Today: Increasing clouds, breezy, high near 53
Saturday: Partly sunny, cooler, high near 42
Sunday: Sunny and chilly, high near 44
MLK Day Monday: Mostly sunny, cold morning, high near 42
Tuesday: Sunny and milder, high near 46
