ARKANSAS, USA — No snow is in the forecast across the River Valley in the short term as temperatures have been very mild running 4.3 degrees above-average so far this November.
With the River Valley sitting at a lower elevation and further south geographically, it becomes harder to see a snowy winter. Still, the valley areas average 4.9" of snow per winter. But snow has been hard to come by the past few years with the last above-average winter dating back to the winter of 2014-2015.
While snowless winters are rare they still can happen with the last one occurring in 2005-2006. The snowiest winter on record has now held the top spot for 100 years with 22.6 inches of snow falling in the 1920-1921 winter.
If you're hoping for snow this winter, January typically gives us the best chances for snow. In fact, half of Fort Smith's average snowfall comes in January.
So what are the odds of seeing lots of snow this winter? It's not looking great. We are currently in a La Nina pattern and that will continue into the winter months. A typical La Nina winter will give us above-average temperatures and that is expected for this winter. That's not a good sign for any snow lovers. Still, it only takes one or two systems with enough cold air to make it a memorable winter. Stay with 5NEWS for all of your wintery weather updates.
-Tyler