Fayetteville, Arkansas – Residents across northern Arkansas could see a rare but impactful stretch of winter weather as a late-January pattern increases the likelihood of accumulating snow across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, northern Arkansas is included in a slight risk for heavy snow from Saturday through the following Friday, signaling a higher chance for one or more organized winter systems pushing into the Mid-South. The risk is focused north of Interstate 40, where colder air is more likely to hold.
In northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers, temperatures trending below normal increase confidence that precipitation falls as snow rather than rain. That could lead to slick conditions along Interstate 49, U.S. 62, and steep Ozark roadways, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Across north-central and northeastern Arkansas, including Jonesboro and surrounding Craighead County, snow may arrive in multiple rounds rather than a single storm. Even modest accumulations could disrupt travel along U.S. 63, U.S. 49, and rural highways not accustomed to frequent winter maintenance.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation urges residents to monitor road conditions closely, avoid unnecessary travel during snow, and prepare vehicles with winter safety supplies. With colder air expected to persist, any snow that falls could linger longer than usual for the region.
More detailed timing and potential winter weather advisories are expected as the late-January window approaches, with clearer impacts becoming available by early next week.
