The National Weather Service forecast office says warmer temperatures will delight most of the area, but in true Arkansas fashion, an ice storm is not out of the question for next weekend.
“A big warm-up is expected Monday through Wednesday as temperatures warm into the upper 50s to around 70 degrees.” the Weather Service said in their extended outlook on Sunday. “A significant winter weather event is appearing more likely for Friday and Saturday, including the potential for significant ice accumulation in parts of Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas.”
Forecasters say though that there are still plenty of unknowns looking at it from this far out.
“Although considerable uncertainty remains on specific locations, there is the potential for significant ice and sleet accumulations during this time.” Meteorologists predicted. “Forecast trends should be closely monitored in the coming days as the overall winter weather threat continues to be refined.”
The Forecast Office says that in addition to the freezing rain that is expected in the Arkansas River Valley, that heavy rainfall will be likely in areas to the south of Fort Smith.
Ahead of the cold weather moving in this weekend, a chance of showers and thunderstorm exists for Thursday and Friday.
Grant Merrill
Grant Merrill is the Publisher of InsideFortSmith.Com, and owner of parent company Great Plains Digital Media. Prior to jumping into the digital world, he was a longtime sports talk show host on stations across Arkansas. E-Mail: [email protected]
