Understanding the start of winter can be less straightforward than it seems, as different definitions exist for this seasonal transition. While many people associate winter with colder weather and holiday celebrations, its beginning can be marked by specific astronomical events or by meteorological conventions.
Defining Winter’s Beginning
Winter’s onset is primarily defined in two distinct ways: astronomically and meteorologically. Astronomical winter is tied to the Earth’s orbit around the sun and the planet’s axial tilt. It begins with the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. This event occurs when one of Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun.
In contrast, meteorological winter is based on the annual temperature cycle and is divided into fixed calendar months for consistent climate record-keeping. For the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological winter consistently spans December, January, and February.
Arkansas’s Winter Onset
For Arkansas, astronomical winter typically begins around December 21st or 22nd each year. The winter solstice marks the point when the Northern Hemisphere experiences the fewest hours of daylight. Meteorological winter, however, starts earlier, consistently beginning on December 1st.
The practical onset of colder weather in Arkansas, often signaled by the first freeze, varies across the state. Northern and western parts of Arkansas, including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, typically experience their first freeze by the last week of October. In other regions, freezes tend to occur later, usually during the first couple of weeks in November. Some areas in central and southern Arkansas, such as Little Rock and Pine Bluff, often see their first freeze around the second week of November.
Typical Arkansas Winter Conditions
Arkansas winters are generally considered mild compared to more northern states, yet they feature distinct cold periods. Average high temperatures in December across the state range around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to average lows near 29 degrees Fahrenheit. January typically sees slightly cooler conditions, with average highs around 49 degrees Fahrenheit and lows near 27 degrees Fahrenheit. By February, temperatures begin to moderate, with average highs reaching about 55 degrees Fahrenheit and lows around 31 degrees Fahrenheit.
While rain is common throughout the winter months, Arkansas does experience some snowfall, though amounts vary significantly by region. The state averages around 2 to 4 inches of snow annually. Northern and northwestern Arkansas, including cities like Fayetteville and Harrison, generally receive more snow, with average annual totals sometimes reaching over 9 inches. Southeastern parts of the state, however, often see less than an inch of snow per year. In addition to snow, ice storms can occasionally impact the state, particularly in the northern areas, posing hazards to travel and infrastructure.