LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Take advantage of the gorgeous warm weather on Sunday here in central Arkansas because dramatic changes are about to take place as an invasion of arctic air is plunging south and will arrive in the Natural State on Monday.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
After seeing temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s, this cold blast will be a shock to the system with the mercury plunging 25 to 30 degrees in a span of 6 hours as a strong cold front sweeps through the state.
Below you can see the big change that is expected on Monday once the front plows through the temperatures tumble from the 50s into the 30s by the evening.
However, that is only half the story because gusty winds from the north and northeast will make the cold piercing as it steals heat away from any exposed skin, so it'll feel like numbers will be in the 20s.
The winds will stay gusty through Tuesday morning and with temperatures dropping into the upper teens and low 20s, it will feel more like the single digits and low teens as you go back to work and school.
Before the moisture moves out and the dry air moves in, parts of the state will likely see the rain change to a brief period of sleet or snow before ending Monday evening.
Rain will change over to sleet or snow in northwest and north Arkansas early Monday afternoon and the freezing line will advance south as dry air also builds, reducing the chances of winter weather in the state.
Here is what the radar could look like on Monday going through the day. Rain is shown in the green, sleet or a wintry mix in pink and snow in white.
The higher elevations of North Arkansas could see a small amount (half-inch or so) of snow or sleet. Don’t be surprised if parts of central Arkansas see a quick sleet pellet or snow shower before ending.
Some slick spots in the higher elevations will be possible Monday afternoon through Tuesday if frozen precipitation does accumulate.
COLD WEATHER ADVICE:
Now is the time to find the warm clothes and get ready to layer up, put gloves on and a hat. This cold can be dangerous for humans and also pets. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and bring them inside if possible, otherwise make a warm place for them to sleep.
Temperatures dropping this low also means some exposed pipes could freeze. It is wise to unhook any hoses and place faucet covers on, insulate any exposed pipes and leave the water on a drip.
- Never leave space heaters unattended or near anything flammable.
- Record lows will be possible Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning at the Clinton National Airport.
The brutal cold will not last too long though only a couple of days— then temperatures will moderate by Thursday; back into the 50s.
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