Fall-Like Temperatures and Widespread 60s Highs Settle Across Arkansas Including Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville This Friday
ARKANSAS — A fall-like feel has taken hold across Arkansas on Friday, May 1, 2026, with temperatures running unseasonably cool for early May. Widespread highs in the 60s are expected statewide after a cooler morning start. Most of the state will remain dry, though a slim rain chance lingers across the southernmost counties.
Widespread 60s Highs Blanket the State From Northwest to Southeast Arkansas
High temperatures on Friday will top out in the mid to upper 60s across most of Arkansas. Fayetteville and Mountain Home are forecast to reach 65 to 66 degrees, while Fort Smith and Russellville lead the state at 69 degrees. Jonesboro, Batesville, and Helena sit in the 66 to 68 degree range across the eastern portions of the state.
Across central Arkansas, Little Rock and Hot Springs are both expected to reach 66 degrees, with Clinton and Searcy also climbing into the upper 60s. The cooler southeast corner, including El Dorado and Camden, will hold in the low 60s, with Texarkana topping out at just 62 degrees.
Southern Counties Carry the Only Rain Chances as Opportunities Have Dwindled
Rain chances that appeared somewhat promising in the previous 12 to 18 hours have diminished significantly heading into Friday. Only the southernmost counties carry any low-end rain potential, including areas near Texarkana, El Dorado, Lake Village, and Monticello. Even those prospects are limited and not expected to amount to much.
For the vast majority of Arkansas, Friday will be a completely dry day. Most residents across the northern, central, and eastern parts of the state should plan on staying dry throughout the day and into the evening.
Cool Conditions More Typical of November Than May Statewide
The overall character of this Friday forecast is strikingly fall-like for the first day of May. Temperatures running well below typical early May levels are delivering a rare mid-spring cool-down that is unusual but welcome for many residents statewide.
Those with outdoor plans on Friday will find comfortable and seasonable-feeling conditions despite the calendar reading May. The cooler air is not expected to last long, making Friday a good opportunity to get outside before warmer and more typical spring temperatures return to Arkansas in the coming days. Stay with NapervilleLocal.com for the latest weather updates and local forecast coverage.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.