Arkansas — A damp chill settles over central Arkansas this morning as fog blurs headlights and moisture clings to sidewalks. That quiet gray start masks a more serious winter threat lining up just beyond the horizon.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday night. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all possible, with hazardous travel expected as temperatures fall. An Extreme Cold Watch follows, signaling dangerous cold into early next week.
Conditions stay relatively calm early today, though dense fog limits visibility across the metro. Roads appear wet rather than icy for now, but that changes quickly as colder air presses south. By Friday afternoon, light snow may begin, especially north and west of Little Rock. Temperatures hover near the upper 30s, close enough to freezing for slick spots to form.
Friday night marks the first major shift. Rain transitions to snow and freezing rain as temperatures drop into the teens. Accumulating sleet and ice may coat bridges and overpasses along I-30, I-40, and Highway 67. Travel could become difficult or impossible late.
Saturday brings the highest impact window. Wintry mix continues through the day, with snow and sleet becoming more dominant. Highs struggle to reach the upper teens. Flash freezing is likely as daytime moisture refreezes, creating a glaze on untreated roads and sidewalks.
Saturday night remains icy and bitterly cold. Sunday stays cold with lingering wintry precipitation early, then gradual improvement. Even as skies clear, dangerous cold holds firm.
Early next week remains quiet but frigid, with morning lows near single digits before slow moderation midweek.
Prepare now. Avoid weekend travel if possible. Protect pipes, pets, and vehicles. Conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset. Are roads slick where you are already? Share what you’re seeing across central Arkansas.
Five-Day Outlook for Little Rock, AR
- Friday: Cloudy, chance of snow late; high near 38°F
- Saturday: Snow, sleet, freezing rain; high near 19°F
- Sunday: Chance of snow early, very cold; high near 20°F
- Monday: Sunny, bitter cold; high near 25°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny; high near 37°F
