A surge of much colder air is expected to move into Arkansas late this weekend, setting the stage for the potential return of light winter weather Monday into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Little Rock. While the details remain uncertain, confidence is slowly increasing that portions of the state may see snow, a wintry mix, or even minor ice accumulations early next week.
A cold front will sweep across Arkansas Saturday night into Sunday, knocking temperatures down sharply. Behind it, a developing storm system will track across the region Monday, pulling moisture back into the cold air. The timing and placement of this moisture will determine whether parts of Arkansas see light snow or a mix of freezing rain and sleet.
The latest probability maps show a 10–30% chance of at least one inch of snow across northern Arkansas from Monday morning to early Tuesday. The highest probabilities stretch from the Missouri border into the Ozarks. Farther south—including central Arkansas and the Little Rock metro—the chances of measurable snow drop significantly but are not zero.
There is also a low but noteworthy chance of light freezing rain, mainly across northern and possibly parts of central Arkansas. Current projections show only a 5–15% chance of at least one-hundredth of an inch of ice—enough to create slick spots on bridges and elevated roads if temperatures dip below freezing.
Meteorologists emphasize that this system is “tricky,” with small shifts in the storm track making a big difference in who sees rain versus winter precipitation. Forecast confidence is expected to improve over the next 24–48 hours.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates through the weekend as the picture becomes clearer. Even light winter weather can cause travel issues, especially during the Monday morning and Tuesday morning commute windows.
