Arkansas wakes to soft clouds and mild air, the kind that barely feels like winter. Pavement stays dry this morning, but change is already lining up behind the calm.
Across the state, temperatures climb quickly through the day and into the weekend. In central Arkansas, highs surge into the mid to upper 70s, an unusually warm stretch for late December. Roads across I-30, I-40, and Highway 67 remain in good shape for now, supporting smooth holiday and weekend travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the quiet pattern begins to shift Sunday. Clouds thicken by afternoon, followed by showers developing late day and into the evening. Winds turn breezier, gusting near 20 to 25 mph, which could make driving more difficult on exposed stretches and bridges.
Rain becomes more widespread Sunday night. Temperatures fall sharply behind the system, dropping into the lower 30s by early Monday. As colder air pours in, wet roads may refreeze, especially on overpasses and low-traffic routes. This creates a black ice risk for early Monday commuters across Pulaski County and surrounding areas.
Monday brings brighter skies but a true winter feel. Afternoon highs struggle to reach the lower 40s, a sharp contrast from the weekend warmth. By Monday night, lows dip into the low 20s, allowing frost to form and reinforcing winter’s arrival.
Looking ahead to New Year’s Week 2026, conditions stay dry but chilly, with cool days and cold mornings continuing. The pattern favors quieter weather, but travelers should remain alert to freezing temperatures during early drives.
Enjoy the mild air while it lasts, and plan ahead for colder, slick conditions after Sunday.
Traveling Sunday or noticing changing road conditions? Share what you’re seeing across central Arkansas.
Five-Day Outlook for Little Rock, Arkansas
- Today: Mostly sunny and warm, high near 76
- Saturday: Partly sunny, warm, high near 76
- Sunday: Increasing clouds, late showers, high near 74
- Monday: Mostly sunny and colder, high near 41
- Tuesday: Sunny and cool, high near 43
