Quiet and seasonably cool weather is expected across Arkansas for New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day, according to the National Weather Service in Little Rock.
NWS forecasts show cool overnight temperatures with light winds and no precipitation, making for calm conditions as 2025 comes to a close. Midnight temperatures on New Year’s Eve are expected to range from the mid-30s to low 40s across much of the state.
Forecast maps indicate readings around 41 degrees in Little Rock, 39 degrees in Russellville and Jonesboro, 42 degrees in Hot Springs, and 37 to 39 degrees in Fort Smith and Mountain View. Southern locations such as El Dorado and Texarkana are expected to remain closer to 40 degrees, while parts of northern Arkansas dip into the mid-30s.
Winds at midnight are forecast to remain light, generally under 5 mph, limiting wind chill concerns and reducing travel hazards. According to the National Weather Service, no rain or winter precipitation is expected during the overnight hours.
Road conditions are expected to remain favorable across Interstate 30, Interstate 40, Interstate 49, and U.S. Highway 67/167, with dry pavement anticipated statewide through the holiday night. The lack of precipitation and light winds should support smooth travel for New Year’s Eve gatherings and early New Year’s Day trips.
By New Year’s Day (Thursday), temperatures will remain seasonable, with cool morning lows followed by gradual warming during the afternoon. Skies are expected to stay mostly clear, continuing the stretch of quiet weather.
The National Weather Service notes that while this New Year’s Eve will be uneventful weather-wise, residents should still dress for cool conditions if celebrating outdoors late tonight.
For commuters, service workers, and families traveling overnight, the calm forecast provides a safe and steady transition into 2026.
