Arkansas weather is a fickle beast. One day you’re walking the Big Dam Bridge in a light hoodie, and the next, you’re digging through the hall closet for that heavy parka you swore you wouldn’t need. Honestly, it's just the way life goes in the Natural State.
If you’re looking at the weather forecast for Little Rock right now, specifically for Saturday, January 17, 2026, you’ve probably noticed things are getting a bit serious. It’s not just "chilly." We’re talking about a genuine Canadian air mass sliding down and parking itself right over Pulaski County.
The Immediate Numbers You Actually Need
Right now, as we roll through the early morning hours, the temperature is sitting at a crisp 35°F. But that’s the number on the thermometer, not what your skin feels. Thanks to a northwest wind blowing at about 8 mph, it actually feels like 29°F out there.
If you have plans today, Saturday, January 17, don’t expect a massive warmup. We are looking at a daytime high of 41°F. It’s going to stay mostly cloudy for the bulk of the day. There’s a slight 20% chance of snow during the daylight hours, though don’t go buying out the milk and bread just yet—it’s likely to be more of a flurry situation than a "stay home from work" event.
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By the time the sun goes down tonight, the clouds should clear out, but that’s a double-edged sword. Clear skies mean all that ground heat escapes into the atmosphere. We are heading toward a low of 22°F overnight.
Why This January Feels Like a Different Beast
Usually, January in Little Rock averages a high of about 51°F. Seeing 41°F as a high is definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. We’re currently trapped in what meteorologists call a "meridional flow," basically a fancy way of saying the jet stream is dipping way south, dragging that cold air from the Arctic straight into our backyards.
There's also the drought factor to consider. Most of Arkansas, including north-central areas, has been bone-dry. According to the latest National Weather Service briefings, over 45% of the state is in a severe drought. Dry air heats up and cools down much faster than moist air. That’s why these overnight drops are feeling so sharp lately.
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Wildfire Concerns in the Cold
It sounds weird, right? Fire danger when it's freezing? But it’s a real thing. The National Weather Service in Little Rock has been sounding the alarm because the air is so dry and the "fine fuels"—think dead grass and leaves—are basically tinder. With northwest winds gusting up to 12 mph today, a stray spark from a burn pile can get out of hand before you can even grab the hose.
What’s Coming Next (The Deep Freeze)
Looking ahead to Sunday and the start of the week, the cold isn't going anywhere. In fact, Sunday morning is shaping up to be one of the coldest stretches of the season so far. Forecasters are calling for wind chill values as low as 5°F above zero on Sunday morning.
If you’re planning to head out for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, the high will struggle to get into the lower 40s. It’s the kind of weather that’s hard on your car battery and even harder on your outdoor pipes.
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Actionable Steps for Little Rock Residents
Don't just sit there shivering. There are a few things you should probably do before that 22°F low hits tonight:
- Check the Spigots: If you haven’t put those foam covers on your outdoor faucets yet, do it now. If you don't have covers, a thick towel and some duct tape work in a pinch.
- Battery Health: Cold kills car batteries. If your car struggled to start this morning at 35°F, it’s going to hate life when it’s 22°F. Most local auto parts stores will test your battery for free.
- The "P" Rule: People, pets, pipes, and plants. Bring them all inside or protect them.
- Burn Bans: Check your specific county status. Many County Judges have issued burn bans because of the dry conditions combined with these gusty winds.
Basically, stay warm and keep an eye on the sky. This weather forecast for Little Rock shows we’re in the thick of winter now, and while it might be dry, the cold is the real story for the next few days.