Does it snow in Arkansas? The answer is YES.
Snowfalls of six inches or more are uncommon in the region, but they are slightly more prevalent in the higher elevations of Northwest Arkansas.
Arkansas, sometimes known as the Natural State due to its magnificent environment, is a state in the United States’ south-central region.
Arkansas is the 33rd most populated state in the United States, with around 3 million people dispersed across its 137,732 square kilometers of land.
Mount Magazine, at an altitude of 2,753 feet (839 meters), is the highest point in Arkansas, while the Ouachita River, at 55 feet, is the lowest (17 meters).
Does it, however, snow in Arkansas?
Despite the fact that it does not border the state, Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate that is heavily impacted by the Gulf of Mexico.
The climate of the state is characterized by hot, humid summers and dry, mild winters.
In this blog post, I will answer in detail the question, does it snow in Arkansas?
Does it Snow in Arkansas?
Does it snow in Arkansas? YES, it does snow in Arkansas.
Arkansas receives 4 inches of snow each year on average.
The average annual snowfall in the United States is 28 inches.
On average, Arkansas receives precipitation 95 days per year.
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground is referred to as precipitation.
Climate and Weather of Arkansas
Arkansas is officially classed as having a humid subtropical climate by scientist Wladimir Köppen, yet the state experiences several climatic extremes.
The humid subtropical climate is defined as a warm environment with a hot summer and no distinct dry season.
In that aspect, the Köppen classification is valid, although the state genuinely has four seasons, which can all range from reasonably mild to highly extreme.
The terrain of the land, as well as its closeness to the plains to the west and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, all influence its climate and weather.
Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico goes into the plains of the United States, where it meets with cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains.
Strong, low-pressure or cold fronts can elevate this moisture and swiftly produce supercell thunderstorms.
The flat geography of the plains provides less friction for the inflow, slowing the rapid rise of these catastrophic storms.
Arkansas is a microcosm of this dynamic, with mountainous topography to the west and flat plains to the east.
Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate that borders on humid continental in some northern highland areas.
The state is close enough to the Gulf of Mexico for the warm, huge body of water to be the state’s primary weather influence.
Summers are hot and humid, whereas winters are pleasant and slightly dryer.
The earliest signs of colder air arrive in September, but temperatures have reached 90 degrees as late as November 17.
By the beginning of November, a long-lasting cold frequently hits.
Winters can be unfavorable for short periods of time. Snow normally slows the state down, but an ice storm can entirely shut it down.
When Does it Snow in Arkansas?
Winter months are distinguished by temperature drops into the tens, or even below freezing with wind chills.
Freezing temperatures begin in November, but the winter season lasts from December through February.
March remains frigid, but increasing temperatures herald the arrival of spring.
December
The accumulation of snow can be seen as early as November, but December is the first month that significant snow is recorded in Arkansas.
With highs of 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) and lows of 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) across the state, snowfall totaling about 0.8 inches (20 millimeters) is recorded during this month.
January
In Arkansas, January is the coldest month, with temperatures frequently reaching below freezing point.
Temperatures during this month range between 51 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) and 31 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius).
January is the snowiest month in the state, with an average snowfall of 2.3 inches (58.4 millimeters).
February
Although snowflakes might occasionally be recorded in March, February is usually the last month of significant snowfall.
As the winter season comes to an end, temperatures rise slightly, with highs of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) and lows of 32 degrees Fahrenheit recorded. (2 degrees Celsius).
Throughout the month, Arkansas receives up to 1.4 inches (35.5 millimeters) of snow.
Where Does it Snow in Arkansas?
The central region and the northern half of the state receive the most snow during the winter period.
Because of the state’s closeness to the Gulf of Mexico, the southern section of the state is warm and humid hence does not experience snow.
Does it Snow in Little Rock?
YES, it snows in Little Rock.
Little Rock is the state capital and the most populated city in Arkansas, with around 200,000 people residing in its city region.
The city stands at 335 feet (102 meters) above sea level and is located in a humid subtropical zone with hot, humid summers and cool snowy winters.
During the winter, temperatures in Little Rock average 52.6 degrees Fahrenheit (11.4 degrees Celsius) with lows of 33.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rock has 1.7 snowfall days on average and receives up to 3.5 inches (88.9 millimeters) of snow every year.
Does it Snow in Fayetteville?
YES, it snows in Fayetteville.
Fayetteville, at an altitude of 1,401 feet (427 meters), is a city located on the outskirts of Boston Mountain.
It is the third largest city in Arkansas, with a population of about 85,000 people.
The city receives cold temperatures ranging from highs of 47.6 degrees Fahrenheit (8.7 degrees Celsius) to lows of 27 degrees Fahrenheit due to its comparatively high elevation (-2.8 degrees Celsius).
During the winter season, Fayetteville receives 2.3 snowfall days, with snow accumulations reaching 4.3 inches (109.2 millimeters).
Does it Snow in Jonesboro?
YES, it snows in Jonesboro.
Jonesboro lies in the northeastern part of Arkansas on Crowley’s Ridge.
During the winter, temperatures in the city range from 47.3 degrees Fahrenheit (8.5 degrees Celsius) to 24.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-4.1 degrees Celsius).
In an ordinary winter season, Jonesboro receives 2.1 snowfall days, with snow accumulations reaching 4.8 inches (121.92 millimeters).
What are Winters Like in Arkansas?
Winters are mild, however temperatures drop below freezing on some occasions.
In January, the average high temperature is 51°F (10.6°C), with lows reaching 32°F (0°C) in several places. -source
Every now and then, the state is hit by a devastating Arkansas ice storm.
These storms have the potential to knock out electricity for days and make driving dangerous.
The winter months are frigid but pleasant, with high temperatures often in the mid-40s to lower 50s and overnight lows in the 20s and 30s.
Outbreaks of very cold temperatures do occur on certain occasions, sending temperatures below zero, but these extreme cold spells are usually brief.
Does Arkansas Experience Snowstorms?
YES, Arkansas does experience snow storms on some occasions.
The greatest cumulative snowfall for Little Rock, Arkansas occurred during the year that ended December 31st, 1960.
This was surely a banner year for snowplow contractors! This accumulation of snow led to disruption of services across the city.
Ski Resorts in Arkansas
It may surprise you to learn that Arkansas has no notable ski resorts.
You can, however, still experience the finest of winter by traveling across the border to one of the various ski slopes in neighboring states.
The majority of Arkansas citizens visit ski resorts during the winter season, which include Snow Creek and Hidden Valley ski resorts, among others.
Final Thoughts on the Question: Does it Snow in Arkansas?
Does it snow in Arkansas? The answer is YES.
However, the snowfall in Arkansas is below the national average as it does not accumulate over six inches.
The Northwest areas and regions of high altitude are the ones that experience snow during the winter period.