Arkansas — Cold air bites hard across central Arkansas this MLK Day morning as Little Rock starts the day near 26 degrees. Wind slips through neighborhoods, driving wind chills into the teens and making the cold feel sharper than the thermometer suggests.
Skies show increasing clouds through the morning, muting the early sunlight. Despite clouds, conditions stay dry today. Temperatures struggle upward, topping out near 37 degrees this afternoon. North winds gust at times, keeping the winter bite in place. Anyone heading out early should bundle up and watch for lingering slick spots on bridges.
Tonight turns clearer and colder. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, falling near 19 degrees by morning. Calm winds allow frost to form easily, creating another cold start for Tuesday.
Tuesday brings relief. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the upper 40s. Roads remain dry, making it the best travel day of the week. Clouds increase again Tuesday night, signaling an unsettled stretch ahead.
By Wednesday, rain chances rise. Showers become possible during the day and continue into Wednesday night. Highs reach near 50 degrees, warm enough for rain but still chilly. Wet pavement could slow travel during peak hours.
Thursday stays mostly sunny and cool, with highs near 49. Another round of showers appears late Thursday night into Friday. That system carries higher impact potential. Temperatures fall Friday night, opening the door for rain to mix with snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Flash freezing becomes a concern as colder air returns, especially on untreated roads.
Looking ahead, long-range outlooks suggest colder-than-normal air persists across the Midwest and Mid-South, while precipitation chances remain elevated.
Plan extra time late week. Check road conditions before heading out. How cold did it feel where you were this morning?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Little Rock, AR
• Today (MLK Day): Increasing clouds, high near 37°F
• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 48°F
• Wednesday: Chance of showers, high near 50°F
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 49°F
• Friday: Chance of rain, turning wintry late, high near 42°F
