Weather Blogs

🎄 Arkansas Christmas Weather Through the Years 🎄 By John Cook, Journalist at Arkansas Weather Watchers Merry Christmas, Arkansas! 🎄 Let's take a look at some historical Christmas weather statistics for various cities across the state: Little Rock: Average High: 49°F Average Low: 31°F Warmest Christmases: 1971 and 2021 (in the 70s) Coldest Christmases: 1983 and 2004 (lows between 0–10°F) Snow on Christmas: 1963: 1 inch 2004: 2 inches 2012: Trace amounts Ice Storm: A significant ice storm hit in 2000. Fayetteville: Average High: 48°F Average Low: 28°F Warmest Christmas: 73°F in 2016 Coldest Christmas: 4°F in 1983 Snow on Christmas: 2012: 4.0 inches 2009: 2–6 inches (Christmas Eve Winter Storm) 1963: 2.0 inches Fort Smith: Average High: 49°F Average Low: 31°F Warmest Christmas: 76°F in 1955 Coldest Christmas: 8°F in 1983 Snow on Christmas: Light snow in 1963 and 2000. Jonesboro: Average High: 50°F Average Low: 33°F Warmest Christmas: 74°F in 2016 Coldest Christmas: 6°F in 1983 Snow on Christmas: 2004: Trace amounts 1963: Light snow Hot Springs: Average High: 53°F Average Low: 34°F Warmest Christmas: 75°F in 2015 Coldest Christmas: 10°F in 1983 Snow on Christmas: Rare, but some snow reported in 1963. Monticello: Average High: 54°F Average Low: 35°F Warmest Christmas: 78°F in 1955 Coldest Christmas: 12°F in 1983 Snow on Christmas: Rare, with occasional traces of snow or sleet. The Historic Cold Wave of 1983 Christmas 1983 remains one of the coldest in Arkansas history. Record Low: -1°F recorded in the River Valley on Christmas Day. Extreme Wind Chills: Strong winds created wind chills of -50°F in some areas. Prolonged Cold: The cold wave lasted 10 days, from December 16th to Christmas Day. Temperatures: Zero degrees or colder on 24 days. Ten degrees below zero or colder on 11 days. Snowstorm: A storm on December 15th–16th brought up to 10 inches of snow to parts of the south-central states. Winter Trends: Despite the extreme cold, the winter of 1983 was unusually warm and stormy overall, with most mid-Atlantic storms bringing liquid precipitation instead of snow. This extraordinary cold wave is a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable Arkansas winters can be. While today's Christmas weather may not bring snow, it's fascinating to look back at how temperatures and conditions have varied across the years. Whether you're cozying up indoors or traveling to see family, stay safe and enjoy the holiday! 📅 Don’t miss the 8-day forecast with Chief Forecaster Cameron this evening to see what’s in store for the rest of the holiday week! Merry Christmas, Arkansas! 🎅☔ Source: Weather.gov Fayetteville Christmas Climatology - National Weather Service December 4, 2024 — It is very likely that 2002 was also a White Christmas based on the snowfall that occurred on 12/24/2002. **The Christmas Eve Winter Storm in 2009 produced 2"-6" across northwest Arkansas. While an official 6am snow depth reading was not available, there was likely at least 1" of snow on the ground Christmas morning in Fayetteville. Weather.govFort Smith Christmas Climatology - National Weather Service December 4, 2024 — Fort Smith Christmas Records and Normals. HOME. FORECAST. Local; Graphical; Aviation; Marine; Rivers and Lakes; ... GIS Data Portal; NOAA Weather Radio; Publications; SKYWARN Storm Spotters; StormReady; TsunamiReady; Service Change Notices; ... Arkansas Christmas Day Records. Last White Christmas (at least 1" of snow on the ground) - 2012 ... Weather.govThe Cold Air Outbreak of December 1983 - National Weather ServiceD ecember 14, 1983 — As the first wave of cold air pushed southward, a winter storm dumped up to 10 inches of heavy snow in the south-central states on the evening of December 15th and into the morning of the December 16th. ... much of northern Texas, southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and northern Mississippi. The snow greatly disrupted area transportation ... KARK Arkansas Storm Team Forecast: Rainy Christmas week ahead!2 days ago — Rain should move in the morning of Christmas Eve with a few heavier showers possible by the afternoon time period. We can’t rule out a gusty storm or two in southern Arkansas with this first round. Th... THV11 Will there be snow on Christmas in Arkansas this year?2 days ago — Many of us may remember Christmas 2012, when snow fell during Christmas day, piling up to 9 inches! In all the event produced between 10 and 15 inches of snow across central Arkansas. Weather.govFort Smith Christmas Climatology - National Weather Service December 4, 2024 — Fort Smith Christmas Records and Normals. HOME. FORECAST. Local; Graphical; Aviation; Marine; Rivers and Lakes; ... GIS Data Portal; NOAA Weather Radio; Publications; SKYWARN Storm Spotters; Storm Weather.govFayetteville Christmas Climatology - National Weather Service December 4, 2024 — It is very likely that 2002 was also a White Christmas based on the snowfall that occurred on 12/24/2002. **The Christmas Eve Winter Storm in 2009 produced 2"-6" across northwest Arkansas. While an of... Weather.govNWS Little Rock, AR - Climate Data - National Weather Service June 30, 2024 — for climate information in Arkansas. Once data is displayed, click "Date" to sort in ascending/descending order. ... rare Christmas snowstorm on 12/25/2012 and early the next morning. At Little Rock N... Farmers' Almanac1983: “The Coldest Christmas Ever” - Farmers' Almanac April 30, 2024 — December 24, 1983 as I remember was -70 during the night. My mother received a call from my great-aunt, that the heat was not working in our 3-story mixed use building in downtown Lemont, Illinois. Sh... OzarksFirst40 years ago the Ozarks were in the middle of a historic deep freeze - KOLR December 20, 2023 — On December 18, 1983, temperatures fell below freezing. By Christmas Eve, the morning low was -10° […] 40 years ago, the Ozarks were in an arctic blast so cold that many people can recall the ... KARK Arkansas Storm Team Weather Blog: Chance of a white Christmas?December 14, 2023 — Below is the chance for a white Christmas and the chance for a trace of snow for several cities across Arkansas. The percent chance is based on the 100+ years of data from these cities. It’s no surpri... 5 News Online When has Arkansas had a white Christmas? | 5newsonline.comDecember 13, 2023 — After climate averages were adjusted in 2021, the entire state has less than a 10% chance of a white Christmas. NW Arkansas and the mountains in the north have the best chance for snow by ... Only In Your State December of 1983 Was One Of The Coldest Winters In Arkansas December 9, 2022 — It Was So Cold In Arkansas In 1983, Temperatures Stayed Below Freezing For Over 10 Days ... Perhaps you’re old enough to remember the Ice Storm of 1983. It began on December 19th, where central and so... Climate.gov Interactive map: Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?December 5, 2022 — For prediction of your actual weather on Christmas, check out your local forecast at Weather.gov. A comment on climate change. Long-time readers of Climate.gov will know that this map is an update of... KARK Arkansas Storm Team Weather Blog: Will we see a white Christmas? What ...December 5, 2022 — The darker the color the less likely to see a white Christmas. Most of Arkansas is located within the 0-10% chance, but if you look closely at the highest elevations in northwest Arkansas there is a s... NWA Home page Weather Blog: NW Arkansas/River Valley Christmas climatology December 25, 2021 — NW Arkansas and the River Valley weather statistics as of December 2021. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Well, Mother Nature decided this year was not going to be a White Christmas by a long shot. Texarkana FYI The Year the Red River Froze from Bank to Bank [PHOTOS]January 6, 2017 — Here are some photos that were taken near Fulton, Arkansas in December of 1983. Seeing folks share thoughts on the cold temperatures reminds us of times when it was even colder. In December 1983 it wa... Arkansas Weather Blog Arkansas Weather Blog: 29 Years Ago... The Arctic Outbreak of 1983December 15, 2012 — The likelihood we will ever see something as extreme as December 1983 is very slim. The cold started to set in around mid month and lasted until the end of the year. The actual air temperature in Litt... Arkansas Weather Blog Remembering One Of The Worst Arctic Outbreaks in Arkansas December 11, 2011 — Video of the frozen Arkansas River in December of 1983 from the KATV archive. ... Whether you like or hate cold weather, this period in Arkansas weather history is fascinating to all. What made this o... Arkansas Weather Blog Arkansas Weather Blog: The Historic December 1983 Arctic Outbreak December 11, 2010 — One of the worst arctic outbreaks gripped most of the United States including Arkansas. Whether you like or hate cold weather, this period in Arkansas weather history is fascinating to all. ... Just r... Weather.govThe Cold Air Outbreak of December 1983 - National Weather Service December 14, 1983 — As the first wave of cold air pushed southward, a winter storm dumped up to 10 inches of heavy snow in the south-central states on the evening of December 15th and into the morning of the December 16t... US Deadly Events1983 — Dec 14-31, Snow, extreme cold (eastern two-thirds US), sleet/ice ...December 13, 1983 — Storm Data, Vol. 25, No. 12, Dec 1983, p. 14. Arkansas (31) (Deaths Dec 18-30) –31 Blanchard tally based on locality and/or cause breakouts below. –29 AP ... Cold Wave: “Some of the coldest December w... Weather.govNWS Little Rock, AR - Arkansas Winter Storm Database (1819 to Present)Some Data Limitations: As of now, the earliest documented storm is from 1843. Data before about 1870 is very sparse, but gets more abundant with the beginning of the Signal Service era (1870), and the... Weather.govDecember 1983: The coldest December on Record - National Weather Service The following December in 1983 saw an unprecedented cold wave that not only broke records for the coldest December on record by several degrees, but also broke records for the longest continuous perio... Almanac.comWeather History for for Places in Arkansas | Almanac.comWeather Weather sub-navigation. 60-Day Long-Range Forecast; 5-Day Forecast; WINTER Forecast; Christmas Travel Map; Snow on Christmas? Frost Dates; Weather History; Weather Store; Gardening Gardening s... Weather Spark Little Rock December 1983 Historical Weather Data (Arkansas, United ...December 1983 Weather History in Little Rock Arkansas, United States. ... frigid 15°F freezing 32°F very cold 45°F cold 55°F cool 65°F comfortable 75°F warm 85°F hot 95°F sweltering. ... The details o... Springer Link The U.S. Cold Wave of December 1983: An Assessment Utilizing the ...The U.S. Cold Wave of December 1983: An Assessment Utilizing the Historical Record Since 1940

As we settle into the colder months in Arkansas, it’s hard not to think about the North Pole. While it’s worlds apart from our hometowns, the weather up there plays a critical role in the holiday season’s most cherished tradition: Santa Claus and his annual journey. Let’s explore how the North Pole’s icy conditions influence Santa’s operations and what we can learn from them here in Arkansas.

As part of Winter Weather Awareness Week , today’s focus is on the impacts of cold weather, especially here in Arkansas, where the winter months can bring significant challenges. Let’s explore how cold temperatures affect our state and what you can do to prepare. Arkansas’s Cold Weather Patterns This morning, parts of Arkansas experienced temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to mid-20s , a stark reminder of how cold it can get during winter. These readings are about 15 degrees below the seasonal norm for early December. With a 1034-mb Arctic high-pressure system in place, we’re seeing clear skies and light winds across the state. Daytime highs today are expected to remain in the upper 30s to lower 40s , making it one of the chilliest days of the season so far. Another cold night is on tap, with lows expected to drop deep into the 20s statewide. Historical Cold Weather in Arkansas Arkansas winters are typically mild, but extreme cold events can occur: Record Low: The coldest temperature ever recorded in Arkansas was -29°F in Gravette on February 13, 1905. Average Winter Temps: Generally, winter highs range from the upper 40s to mid-50s, with lows in the 20s and 30s. Cold Impacts: Prolonged cold spells can cause hazardous road conditions, frozen pipes, and increased heating demands. How to Stay Safe During Cold Weather At Home: Insulate windows and doors to keep heat inside. Let faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes. Stock up on blankets, batteries, and a backup heat source. On the Road: Carry an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, jumper cables, and non-perishable snacks. Check tire pressure and ensure your car battery is fully charged. Outdoors: Dress in layers, covering exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Avoid strenuous activities, such as shoveling snow, for extended periods. Upcoming Arkansas Weather Cold conditions will persist into Saturday, with a slight warming trend as southerly winds return. Temperatures will climb into the lower 50s on Saturday. However, rain chances will increase by Sunday as a slow-moving upper-level disturbance brings widespread precipitation. Expect 1-2 inches of rain across much of the state, with slightly warmer conditions early next week before another cold front moves in midweek. Conclusion Cold weather can bring beauty and challenges, and understanding its impacts is vital for staying safe and prepared. As we navigate the cold of winter, take the time to winterize your home and vehicle, dress appropriately, and keep an eye on the forecast. Stay informed and stay warm, Arkansas! For more updates and tips, visit our website: Arkansas Weather Watchers .  John Cook Arkansas Weather Watchers

Winter can bring a host of challenges, from icy roads to freezing temperatures. Preparing for and responding to these conditions is essential for staying safe and minimizing disruptions. Today, as part of Winter Weather Awareness Week , we’re focusing on Winter Weather Safety Rules to help you navigate the cold season safely. Travel Safety Tips 1. Plan Ahead Check the latest weather forecasts before hitting the road. Keep an eye on winter storm warnings, advisories, or alerts for your area. Let someone know your travel plans, including your route and expected arrival time. 2. Winterize Your Vehicle Ensure your car is winter-ready by checking the following: Tires: Install winter tires or ensure your tires have sufficient tread. Fluids: Top off antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and oil. Battery: Cold weather can drain your car battery. Test it to ensure it’s fully charged. Emergency Kit: Include blankets, a flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, snacks, water, a phone charger, and a small shovel. 3. Drive Safely Reduce speed and increase following distance on icy or snowy roads. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns to prevent skidding. Use low-beam headlights in snowy conditions to improve visibility. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-ups. Home Safety Tips 1. Stay Warm Use space heaters with caution: Keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended. Check your home’s insulation and seal any drafts around windows or doors. Have your heating system serviced to ensure it’s working efficiently. 2. Prepare for Power Outages Stock up on batteries, flashlights, and candles. Have a backup heat source, like a fireplace or portable generator. If using a generator, follow safety guidelines to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Charge your electronic devices and keep a backup power bank ready. 3. Prevent Frozen Pipes Let faucets drip during extreme cold to keep water flowing. Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as basements or garages. Outdoor Safety Tips 1. Dress in Layers Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Outer layers should be waterproof to keep you dry. Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves. 2. Avoid Overexertion Shoveling snow can be strenuous. Take frequent breaks and avoid overexerting yourself, especially if you have a heart condition. Stay hydrated, even in cold weather. 3. Be Aware of Frostbite and Hypothermia Frostbite signs: Numbness, tingling, or pale, waxy skin. Hypothermia signs: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and exhaustion. If you or someone else exhibits these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and move to a warm location. Pet Safety Tips Bring pets indoors during extreme cold. If they must stay outside, ensure they have proper shelter and unfrozen water. Check their paws for ice, salt, or injuries after walks. Limit outdoor time to prevent frostbite or hypothermia. Emergency Preparedness 1. Create an Emergency Kit Your kit should include: Non-perishable food and bottled water (enough for at least three days). Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. First-aid supplies. Medications and essential personal items. 2. Stay Informed Sign up for weather alerts through local news or the Arkansas Weather Watchers app. Follow us on social media for real-time updates and safety information. 3. Have a Family Plan Discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Identify safe locations in your home and evacuation routes if needed. Conclusion Winter weather can be unpredictable, but preparation and awareness are your best defenses. By following these safety rules, you can stay warm, safe, and ready for whatever winter throws your way. Share this information with family and friends to help keep your community prepared.  Stay safe, John Cook Arkansas Weather Watchers

Wednesday: Winter Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories As part of Winter Weather Awareness Week, today we’re focusing on Winter Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories. Understanding these alerts can help you make informed decisions and stay safe during hazardous winter weather events in Arkansas. What Are Winter Weather Alerts? The National Weather Service (NWS) issues Winter Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories to alert the public to potentially dangerous conditions. Each alert is designed to provide information about the severity and timing of the event. Winter Weather Watch What It Means: Conditions are favorable for a significant winter weather event, such as heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain, within the next 24 to 72 hours. Purpose: To give advanced notice so you can prepare. Examples: Winter Storm Watch: Indicates the potential for a significant snowstorm or ice event. Wind Chill Watch: Issued when dangerously low wind chills are possible, posing a risk of frostbite or hypothermia. What to Do: Monitor weather updates frequently. Stock up on essentials like food, water, and medications. Plan for possible disruptions, such as power outages or hazardous travel conditions. Winter Weather Warning What It Means: Hazardous winter weather is imminent or occurring, and poses a threat to life or property. Purpose: To urge immediate action to protect yourself and others. Examples: Winter Storm Warning: Issued for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulation likely to disrupt travel and daily activities. Ice Storm Warning: Indicates severe icing conditions that can damage infrastructure and create life-threatening travel conditions. Wind Chill Warning: Issued when extremely cold wind chills can lead to frostbite in minutes. What to Do: Stay indoors if possible. Avoid unnecessary travel. Ensure you have emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, and blankets. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with limited mobility. Winter Weather Advisory What It Means: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause inconveniences but are not life-threatening if precautions are taken. Purpose: To alert the public to lower-impact events that still require caution. Examples: Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for light snow, sleet, or freezing rain that could make travel slippery. Wind Chill Advisory: Warns of cold wind chills that could be dangerous if exposure is prolonged. What to Do: Use caution when traveling. Dress in layers and protect exposed skin. Stay informed of changing conditions. 

As part of Winter Weather Awareness Week, today we’re focusing on the different types of winter precipitation that impact Arkansas. Understanding these precipitation types and how they form can help you stay safe during winter weather events. Types of Winter Precipitation Winter precipitation is influenced by temperature layers in the atmosphere. Here are the primary types: 1. Snow Formation: Snow forms when temperatures remain below freezing (32°F) from the clouds to the ground. Ice crystals grow within clouds and stick together to create snowflakes. Characteristics: Snow is light and fluffy when temperatures are very cold but can become wet and heavy near the freezing mark. Wet snow can cling to trees and power lines, increasing the risk of outages. Impact: Accumulating snow can make roads slick, reduce visibility, and disrupt travel and daily life. It is less common in Arkansas but still occurs during colder winters. 2. Sleet Formation: Sleet begins as snow but passes through a shallow layer of warmer air where it partially melts. It refreezes into small ice pellets before reaching the ground. Characteristics: Sleet bounces upon impact and does not stick to surfaces as easily as freezing rain. Impact: While sleet doesn’t coat surfaces like freezing rain, it can accumulate on roadways, creating hazardous travel conditions. Sleet is common during mixed precipitation events in Arkansas. 3. Freezing Rain Formation: Freezing rain starts as snow, melts completely in a warm layer of air, and then falls into a shallow layer of freezing air near the surface. It does not refreeze before hitting the ground but instead freezes upon contact with cold surfaces. Characteristics: Freezing rain forms a glaze of ice on roads, trees, power lines, and other exposed surfaces. Impact: Even a thin layer of freezing rain can make roads extremely dangerous. Heavy ice accumulation can cause power outages and tree damage. Ice storms are one of the most hazardous winter weather events in Arkansas. 4. Wintry Mix Formation: A wintry mix occurs when multiple precipitation types (snow, sleet, freezing rain) fall during a single event. This happens when atmospheric temperature layers vary significantly within a storm. Characteristics: The specific mix depends on the storm’s dynamics, with conditions often shifting during the event. Impact: Wintry mixes create unpredictable and hazardous travel conditions, as surfaces can alternate between being icy, slushy, or snow-covered. Understanding the Role of Temperature Layers Winter precipitation depends on the temperature profile of the atmosphere: Snow: Below freezing from cloud to surface. Sleet: Below freezing at the cloud level, a shallow warm layer in the mid-atmosphere, and freezing near the surface. Freezing Rain: Below freezing at the cloud level, a deep warm layer in the mid-atmosphere, and freezing at the surface. Rain: Above freezing throughout the atmosphere. These layers determine whether precipitation will fall as snow, sleet, freezing rain, or rain. Safety Tips for Winter Precipitation Avoid Travel: If freezing rain or sleet is expected, postpone travel whenever possible. Drive Cautiously: Use extreme caution on icy or slushy roads. Reduce speed and increase following distance. Prepare for Power Outages: Freezing rain can lead to downed power lines. Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source ready. Stay Informed: Monitor Arkansas Weather Watchers for updates on developing systems and precipitation types. Conclusion Arkansas’s winters may bring a variety of precipitation types, each with unique challenges. Understanding the differences and preparing accordingly can help you stay safe during winter weather events. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss Winter Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories to help you better interpret these alerts.  Stay safe and stay informed! John Cook Arkansas Weather Watchers

Monday Awareness of Winter Weather Hazards

🌨️ Winter Weather Awareness Week is Here! ❄️ From Sunday, December 1st, through Saturday, December 7th, it's Winter Weather Awareness Week in Arkansas! 🧤🧣 This week is all about reminding everyone how to prepare for and handle hazardous winter conditions. 💡 Now is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming winter season! Stay informed as we cover key topics each day: 📅 Daily Topics: Monday: The Outlook for the Coming Winter - Read More Here Tuesday: Winter Precipitation Types 🌧️❄️ Read More Here Wednesday: Winter Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories ⚠️ - Read More Here Thursday: Winter Weather Safety Rules 🛑🧊 - Read More Here Friday: The Cold of Winter 🥶 Stay tuned to our page for daily updates and tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe during the winter months. 🌡️ Arkansas Forecast: Tonight: Expect clear skies and chilly temperatures as high pressure remains in control. Lows will range from the upper teens to the upper 20s across much of the state. Monday: Another dry cold front will move through Arkansas, bringing another shot of cold air. Highs will stay in the 40s and low 50s , with lows dropping back into the upper teens and 20s Monday night. Midweek Outlook: Tuesday will remain cold, with temperatures struggling to get out of the 40s to low 50s under sunny skies. By Wednesday, light rain is possible, especially in southern Arkansas , as a system approaches from the Gulf. However, temperatures should remain too warm for wintry precipitation. Late Week: A reinforcing cold front arrives Thursday, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season so far. Friday morning lows could dip into the upper teens to mid-20s statewide . A warming trend will begin by next weekend, but light rain chances may linger on Friday into Saturday. Stay safe and informed throughout the winter season! For the latest updates and resources, visit our website: www.arkansasweatherwatchers.org 🌐 2024–2025 Winter Outlook for Arkansas As we approach the 2024–2025 winter season, Arkansas residents should prepare for conditions largely shaped by a developing La Niña pattern. La Niña refers to a periodic cooling of ocean temperatures in the central Pacific, which can influence global weather patterns, especially during the winter months. For Arkansas, the outlook suggests milder and drier conditions than usual, but with the potential for variability and surprises. Temperature Expectations Above-Average Temperatures : Historically, La Niña winters in Arkansas tend to feature milder-than-average conditions. This doesn’t mean every day will be warm; rather, the overall season is expected to lean on the warmer side. Occasional Cold Snaps : While the general trend is for milder conditions, La Niña can still allow Arctic cold fronts to dip southward into the state. These brief periods of intense cold can lead to significant temperature fluctuations. Day-to-Day Variability : La Niña winters are known for their unpredictability, with mild periods interrupted by occasional sharp temperature drops. Precipitation Forecast Drier Conditions Expected : With the storm track often shifting north of Arkansas during La Niña events, much of the state can anticipate below-normal rainfall and snowfall. Central and southern Arkansas are particularly likely to experience these drier conditions. Reduced Winter Storm Activity : While occasional rain or wintry precipitation is still possible, the frequency and intensity of storms are likely to be reduced. This may lead to a quieter winter season overall. Snowfall and Winter Weather Below-Average Snowfall : For snow lovers, the outlook is less promising. The combination of warmer temperatures and reduced storm activity means less opportunity for significant snowfall across the state. That said: Occasional Events Are Possible : Even during La Niña, certain weather patterns can align to produce snow or wintry mix events. These are more likely in northern Arkansas, which typically sees colder temperatures. Icy Conditions : Though snow may be limited, freezing rain or sleet could still occur, particularly during periods when cold air briefly interacts with moisture from the south. Impacts on Agriculture and Water Resources Dry Soils and Streams : Reduced rainfall could lead to drier soil conditions, potentially affecting agriculture and water resources. Farmers and gardeners should plan accordingly for a season with fewer wet days. Outdoor Activities : Milder temperatures and fewer extreme weather events may allow for more outdoor activities during the winter months. Historical Context: How La Niña Winters Have Played Out In past La Niña years, Arkansas has experienced everything from mild, snow-free winters to years where unexpected weather systems brought isolated snowstorms or ice events. For instance, some La Niña winters have featured significant variability, with periods of warmth abruptly followed by cold fronts capable of producing freezing rain or sleet. Preparation Tips for an Unpredictable Season Stay Weather-Aware : Even with a forecast for milder and drier conditions, it’s crucial to remain vigilant for sudden changes, especially with the potential for freezing precipitation. Prepare for Cold Snaps : Ensure your home is winter-ready, with proper insulation, heating systems in working order, and emergency supplies on hand for sudden drops in temperature. Monitor Local Forecasts : La Niña patterns are variable, and localized weather events can deviate from the seasonal outlook. Keep an eye on updates from trusted sources like the National Weather Service or local meteorologists. What’s Driving the La Niña Pattern? The La Niña pattern results from cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean. This cooling influences atmospheric circulation globally, shifting the jet stream northward. For Arkansas, this typically leads to: A more northerly storm track, which reduces precipitation. A less active southern jet stream, often associated with drier and warmer conditions across the southern U.S. Looking Ahead While the 2024–2025 winter is expected to be mild and dry, Arkansas’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during transitional seasons. A quieter winter can be a relief for some, but residents should still be prepared for the occasional cold spell or storm. If you’re looking for detailed weather updates throughout the winter, be sure to stay connected with Arkansas Weather Watchers for timely forecasts, alerts, and tips Thank you for taking the time to read this update on what to expect this winter in Arkansas. As always, staying informed and prepared is key to navigating the season ahead, no matter what Mother Nature has in store. We’ll continue to monitor the weather closely and provide you with updates as conditions evolve. If you have any questions or need additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the season! — John Cook Arkansas Weather Watchers

A History of Severe Weather and Preparedness