Average temperatures show little variation over the state. Generally, western and northern Arkansas are a bit cooler with greater temperature extremes. Monthly mean temperatures are generally around 80F across the state in summer. Winter monthly mean temperatures show more variability, ranging from around 35F in the north to around 45F in the south. Maximum temperatures exceed 100F at times during July and August, particularly at valley stations in the highlands (the northeastern half of the state). Winters are short, but cold periods of brief duration do occur. In the northern part of the state, zero temperatures occasionally occur in January and February, and zero has been recorded along the southern border. The growing season ranges from 180 days in the northwest to over 230 days in the southeast. Late spring freezes are sometimes damaging to agriculture, but as a rule crops mature before fall freezes occur. Extended warm and humid periods are common in summer; the northern and western areas tend to have lower humidities and less cloudiness.

Annual precipitation totals range roughly from 45 to 55 inches across the state, with totals increasing from northwest to southeast (due to the greater availibility of Gulf of Mexico moisture in the southeast). Exceptions to this pattern due to local orographic influences are found in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains, which can be noticeably wetter than surrounding areas. Rainfall is generally abundant throughout the year: December and January tend to be the wet months in the southern counties, while March through May is the northern wet period. The driest month tends to be August, although the month's totals still average about three inches. The number of days with measureable precipitation averages about 100 per year. Most of the state's precipitation falls as rain with heavy local storms that give totals of five to ten inches over extensive areas are not uncommon. Snow does occur, mainly in the northwest. Annual snowfall totals range from a little over a foot in the higher Ozark elevations in the northwest to around one to two inches in the southeast. Snowfall in the southern and eastern lowlands is generally light and remains on the ground only briefly.

Tornadoes are most frequent from March through May, with about 15 to 20 reported each year. About 60 thunderstorms are reported each year at Little Rock and Fort smith, most frequently in June and July. Winter storms are rare, but on occasion can dump up to ten inches of snow in a 24-hour period. Ice storms are also infrequent, but can be severe.

Adapted from: Climatography of the United States No. 60, National Climatic Center