What should you know about Little Rock's weather?
- NWS office
- Little Rock (LZK)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- CST/CDT
- Elevation
- 337 ft
- Coordinates
- 34.75° N, 92.29° W
- Nearest radar
- KLZK · Little Rock NEXRAD · 6 mi
- County
- Pulaski County, AR
- Yearly rain
- 50.4 in
- Warmest month
- July · 81.4°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 40.7°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Apr to Jun
How much rain does Little Rock get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50.5 | 55.2 | 63.7 | 72.8 | 80.5 | 88.2 | 91.7 | 91.5 | 85.1 | 74.2 | 61.9 | 52.6 |
| Low °F | 30.9 | 34.2 | 41.8 | 50.1 | 59.3 | 67.7 | 71.2 | 70.1 | 62.9 | 50.9 | 40.2 | 33.3 |
| Rain (in) | 3.50 | 3.97 | 4.96 | 5.59 | 5.08 | 3.55 | 3.33 | 3.16 | 3.01 | 4.47 | 4.72 | 5.08 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50.5 | 30.9 | 3.50 |
| Feb | 55.2 | 34.2 | 3.97 |
| Mar | 63.7 | 41.8 | 4.96 |
| Apr | 72.8 | 50.1 | 5.59 |
| May | 80.5 | 59.3 | 5.08 |
| Jun | 88.2 | 67.7 | 3.55 |
| Jul | 91.7 | 71.2 | 3.33 |
| Aug | 91.5 | 70.1 | 3.16 |
| Sep | 85.1 | 62.9 | 3.01 |
| Oct | 74.2 | 50.9 | 4.47 |
| Nov | 61.9 | 40.2 | 4.72 |
| Dec | 52.6 | 33.3 | 5.08 |
LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US · 3 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
What did the March 2023 storm look like on Little Rock weather radar?
The March 31, 2023 supercell displayed strong rotation and a debris ball as it crossed the metro area. Some of the worst damage in west Little Rock occurred between Napa Valley Drive and Interstate 430. The storm continued through North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville before weakening near Cabot. Those features were identified in the official event review; a simple rain-color map alone is not a reliable way to decide whether to take tornado shelter.
Can the Arkansas River affect Fourche Creek without heavy rain overhead?
Yes, high water on the Arkansas River can create a flooding concern along Fourche Creek even when the local radar is quiet. The city specifically identifies the residential area near Fourche Dam Pike as a place to monitor when the river crests. Look beyond the city on the rain map, then consult river forecasts for the water already moving downstream. A break in local precipitation does not settle the risk along the creek.
Have tornadoes reached the historic part of Little Rock?
Yes, the January 21, 1999 tornado hit a historic district in Little Rock. Homes built around the turn of the previous century suffered heavy damage, and a falling tree struck the fence around the Governor's mansion. That event is a reminder that dense development does not keep a tornado out. Keep a way to receive NWS Little Rock warnings during winter storms as well as spring outbreaks.
What does winter radar leave unresolved for a Little Rock commute?
It leaves the road-surface condition unresolved when precipitation arrives near freezing. Little Rock's normal January low is 30.9°F, while the normal high reaches 50.5°F. A wet afternoon and a cold early commute can therefore require different decisions even with similar rain colors. Read the hourly temperature trend alongside the loop before setting out.
When should you check the Little Rock radar?
Spring storm concentration
April to JuneAbout 50% of Pulaski County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall from April to June. Before an event at Riverfront Park, watch whether separate cells are merging into a broader band over the approach to downtown.
Lightning during outdoor recreation
May to AugustThe Arkansas severe weather guide places most lightning deaths in these months. Before walking at Two Rivers Park, check for developing storms and turn back toward indoor shelter if thunder interrupts the outing.
What else do people ask about the Little Rock radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Little Rock?
NWS Little Rock (LZK) issues forecasts and warnings for Little Rock. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KLZK, about 6 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Little Rock and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KLZK (Little Rock NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Little Rock (LZK)
- Severe storms peak from April to June (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: CST/CDT
- Radar: KLZK, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Little Rock (LZK)
- Severe storms: April to June
- Local time: CST/CDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Little Rock office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Little Rock: Destructive tornadoes and local historical context
- City of Little Rock: River flooding and Fourche Creek
- City of Little Rock: Riverfront Park
- NWS Little Rock: Arkansas severe weather guide