Arkansas, located in the interior southern United States, experiences a climate shaped by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its position bordering the Great Plains. This geographical setting contributes to a climate with distinct seasonal variations and diverse weather phenomena.
Key Climate Characteristics
Arkansas is largely characterized by a humid subtropical climate, classified as Köppen Cfa. This classification indicates generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The state’s average annual temperature ranges from approximately 59.75 to 60.42 degrees Fahrenheit (about 15.4 to 15.8 degrees Celsius). Humidity levels are consistently high throughout the year, peaking in the summer months.
The state receives abundant annual precipitation, with average totals typically falling between 40 and 60 inches (1,000 to 1,500 millimeters). While rainfall is distributed throughout the year, certain periods experience higher amounts.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Arkansas experiences four distinct seasons. Spring (March-May) is a period of transition where temperatures begin to rise steadily. This season is often the wettest, with heavy rainfall contributing to lush vegetation.
Summer (June-August) brings hot and humid conditions across the state. Daily high temperatures in central areas like Little Rock average around 90 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 34 degrees Celsius) in July. While summer can see thunderstorms, July through September tends to be the driest period overall, with August often being the driest month.
Autumn (September-November) marks a gradual shift from summer heat to cooler temperatures. Rainfall typically lessens, and the state’s foliage undergoes vibrant changes. Winter (December-February) is generally short and mild, though occasional episodes of cold arctic air can bring colder temperatures. Little Rock, for instance, sees average January highs around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and lows around freezing. Snowfall occurs but is not excessive, averaging about five inches statewide.
Understanding Extreme Weather
Arkansas experiences a range of extreme weather events, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, ice storms, drought, and flooding. The state averages around 60 thunderstorms each year, with severe storms occurring most frequently in spring. These storms can produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and hail.
Tornadoes are common, especially during the spring, when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets colder, drier air masses from Canada. This clash creates atmospheric instability and wind shear, which are crucial ingredients for tornado formation. While spring is the primary season for tornadoes, a secondary severe weather season can occur in the fall and winter. Ice storms occur during winter months, particularly in January and February, when cold air near the ground is overridden by warmer, moisture-laden air, leading to freezing rain. The state can also experience periods of drought, often in late summer, and flooding, especially in spring.
Regional Climate Differences
While Arkansas broadly falls under a humid subtropical classification, climatic differences exist across its diverse landscape. The northern and western parts of the state, home to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, are at higher elevations. These mountainous regions generally experience cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the state. For example, a July average high in the Ozarks might be 83 degrees Fahrenheit, while a lower elevation area in the northeast could be 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The northern areas also tend to receive more snowfall in winter.
Conversely, the eastern lowlands, encompassing the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (often called the Delta), are flatter and generally exhibit higher temperatures. Temperatures in the southern parts of the state are also typically warmer. These regional variations in elevation and proximity to significant geographical features like the Mississippi River contribute to localized climate patterns within Arkansas.