There are two storm systems that will impact Arkansas this week. One system will be here today and Tuesday (January 8-9), with another system arriving from the west later Thursday and Friday (January 11-12).
The former system will be primarily a rainmaker, and there will be some rumbles of thunder in places. One to two inches of rain are in the forecast. Any severe weather will remain along the Gulf Coast. As colder air wraps around the departing storm, some light snow could occur over parts of northwest Arkansas (mainly the Boston and Ozark Mountains) on Tuesday. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be common Monday and Tuesday. The higher terrain over northwest Arkansas could have gusts up to 50 mph.
The latter system will be much like the former system; mostly rain is in the forecast. At this point, there is a potential for severe storms in southern Arkansas. Light snow will likely follow the system in northern sections of the state. There will be a lot of wind as well.
By the weekend/early next week, Arctic air will surge into the region from the northwest. This will result in below to much below average temperatures.
Once cold air is in place, it appears that wintry precipitation will become more likely early next week as storm systems continue arriving from the west/southwest.
