Arkansas weather is a bit of a trickster. Honestly, if you’ve lived here long enough, you know the "Natural State" doesn't do boring. Today, January 18, 2026, we’re feeling the bite of a true winter setup that most folks—especially those from further north—don't expect from a southern state. It's cold. Specifically, the mercury is sitting at a crisp 20°F right now, and with a 7 mph wind coming out of the northwest, it actually feels more like 12°F.
Bundle up. Seriously.
Understanding what is the weather for arkansas right now
Basically, we are in the middle of what meteorologists call a "seasonal lag." Even though the winter solstice was nearly a month ago, the ground has finally let go of its summer heat. Today's high is only expected to hit 38°F. That’s a far cry from those humid July afternoons where you feel like you're breathing through a warm, wet rag. Tonight, the sky stays clear, but the temperature is going to dive down to a bone-chilling 17°F.
People think Arkansas is all mild winters and early springs. Kinda true, but not today.
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We’ve got a southwest wind picking up later at about 10 mph, which might make the sun feel a little deceptive. It’ll look bright and "sunny" (the official daytime condition), but that uv index is sitting at a low 3. You won't get a tan, but you might get a runny nose if you stay out too long.
The humidity and precipitation factor
You’d think with all this cold we’d be seeing some white stuff on the ground. Not the case. The chance of precipitation today is a flat 0%. No snow, no rain, just dry air. The humidity is hanging out around 34% during the day, which is why your skin might feel like sandpaper by the time you go to bed.
Interestingly, while we are bone-dry today, about 45% of the state is currently dealing with some level of severe drought. The National Weather Service in Little Rock has been keeping a close eye on this because dry winters in Arkansas often lead to moderate wildfire dangers. It's weird to think about "fire season" when you're shivering in a parka, but that’s just how the state works.
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Why Arkansas winters are so unpredictable
The geography here is a mess—in a good way. You’ve got the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains playing defense against cold fronts, while moisture tries to sneak up from the Gulf of Mexico. When they fight, we get ice.
- Northwest Arkansas: Usually the coldest. Places like Fayetteville often see more snow.
- The Delta: Flat and windy.
- Central Arkansas: Little Rock is the battleground where rain turns into sleet.
- South Arkansas: Typically "warmer," but even Arkadelphia is looking at lows of 16°F early this week.
Historically, January is our heaviest snowfall month, but it’s rarely a "winter wonderland" for long. It’s more like a "winter-for-three-days-then-it-rains" kind of deal. According to data from Hendrix College, January temperatures often fall below the average minimum but rarely hit those single digits we see in the Midwest. However, back in 1905, Gravette hit -29°F. So, yeah, it can happen.
Tips for surviving the current cold snap
If you're out and about today, the roads are generally clear since we haven't had rain or snow, but ice patches are common in rural areas during the early morning.
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- Check your tire pressure. This kind of drop from 20°F to 17°F overnight makes those sensors go crazy.
- Drip your faucets. Even if you think your pipes are insulated, a 17°F low is nothing to sneeze at.
- Watch the wind. A 10 mph wind doesn't sound like much, but in 38°F weather, it cuts right through a light jacket.
The current weather for arkansas is a reminder that winter doesn't play favorites. We are looking at a week of below-normal temperatures. While the "January Thaw" is a real thing that happens most years, it looks like this particular stretch of 2026 is staying firmly in the freezer.
Actionable Next Steps
Since we are looking at dry, freezing conditions through at least Tuesday, make sure to clear any dead brush near your home to mitigate that moderate wildfire risk mentioned by the NWS. Also, if you haven't winterized your outdoor spigots, do it before the sun goes down tonight. The clear skies mean there’s no cloud cover to trap what little heat we have, so that 17°F low will hit hard and fast after sunset. Keep an eye on local burn bans if you're planning on a backyard fire pit, as the drought conditions are making things extra crispy across the state.