Little Rock, Arkansas – A mild and generally quiet weather pattern is expected to dominate Arkansas as the New Year approaches, with warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation favored from Dec 27 through Jan 9.
Large-scale atmospheric signals point to persistent ridging across the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley during this period, limiting the number of storm systems reaching the state. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures across Arkansas are expected to trend above seasonal averages, particularly during afternoon hours. Cities including Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Jonesboro may experience extended stretches of mild winter days with overnight lows remaining well above freezing.
Precipitation chances appear limited overall, with long dry periods likely between weak frontal passages. Any rain that does occur is expected to be light and short-lived, with no widespread flooding or winter weather concerns currently indicated. Even northern Arkansas, which can occasionally see brief winter cold snaps, is expected to remain milder than normal during this timeframe.
The warmer and drier setup should support favorable travel conditions along major corridors such as I-40, I-30, I-49, and I-55 during the busy New Year holiday period. Outdoor activities, post-holiday travel, and New Year’s events across the state are less likely to face weather-related disruptions compared to regions farther north experiencing more active winter conditions.
While brief temperature fluctuations are still possible, no sustained cold outbreaks are currently signaled. Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware, but no significant hazards are anticipated. Overall, the outlook supports a calm, mild, and dry start to 2026 across Little Rock and much of Arkansas.
