🌨️ Winter Weather Awareness Week is Here! ❄️

🌨️ 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