Scroll down for the daily forecast and temperatures.
The forecast for the highest ice accumulation totals has shifted to the southeast quite a bit from our previous forecast. Much of central and eastern Arkansas are still going to see near a quarter inch of ice and remain in the ice storm warning, however southern Arkansas is now in the mix and could see some high ice accumulation totals.
The highest ice totals are now expected to fall in an area approximately bounded by the area in between Camden, southern Pulaski County, Monticello, Brinkley, and West Memphis. If you look at the attached graphics, it is the areas included in purple on the ice accumulation map.
Within this area of higher ice accumulation totals, we expect one half inch of ice, with isolated pockets higher than one half inch starting after midnight tonight continuing through Thursday morning. Winds are expected to be sustained at 10-12 mph; these winds combined with ice could lead to widespread power outages. Roadways will be dangerous to travel as well. Ice accumulation on roadways will likely not be quite as thick as on other surfaces, but any ice on the roadways may make travel very difficult to impossible in some places.
Freezing Rain/Ice is expected to stop by Thursday afternoon. Temperatures will fall into the 20s across the state by Friday morning, keeping any ice that accumulated tonight-Thursday in place. It is possible that temperatures will climb above freezing by a couple of degrees for a couple of hours on Friday. This may be the only opportunity to get rid of ice because an incredibly cold, arctic air mass will build across the state this weekend through early next week.
Temperatures this weekend are likely to see lows fall to the single digits in northern Arkansas and in the mid 20s in southern Arkansas. High temperatures are expected to remain below freezing keeping any ice that was not removed on Friday firmly in place. Temperatures on Monday and Tuesday morning are expected to be even colder with overnight lows near 0°F in northern Arkansas, single digits in central Arkansas, and temperatures down into the lower to mid teens across southern Arkansas. This air is MUCH colder than what we have seen in recent years across Arkansas. These extremely cold temperatures could cause exposed pipes to burst, and will make any areas left without power extremely cold with temperatures remaining below freezing from Friday night through Wednesday across much of the state.
Another strong storm system is expected to approach Arkansas Monday or Tuesday of next week, and some snowfall is possible. The weather service will provide updated briefings once after getting a better handle on next week’s potential snow storm. ❄️
DAILY FORECAST
Wednesday Night
Periods of freezing rain, mainly after midnight. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 26. Wind chill values as low as 17. North northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total nighttime ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch possible.
Thursday
Periods of freezing rain, mainly before noon. High near 34. Wind chill values as low as 16. North northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Wind chill values as low as 15. North northeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Wind chill values as low as 15. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night
A slight chance of snow and sleet before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. North northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. North northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday Night
A slight chance of snow before midnight, then a chance of snow and sleet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Washington’s Birthday
Snow and sleet likely, becoming all snow after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night
A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 29.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.
Wednesday
A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%.