Honestly, if you’re living in Rogers right now, you’ve probably noticed the air has that specific, sharp bite to it. It’s Northwest Arkansas in January. One minute you're thinking about a light jacket, and the next, you’re digging for the heavy-duty wool socks you swore you’d never need.
Right now, as of Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, it is 32°F outside. But let’s be real—with that west wind at 7 mph, it feels like 27°F. It’s clear, it’s cold, and it’s very quiet.
The Immediate Forecast for Rogers Arkansas
If you’re planning your Monday morning commute or wondering if the kids need three layers or four, here is the breakdown. Tonight, we’re looking at a serious dip. While the high today hit a somewhat manageable 37°F, the low is plummeting to 11°F.
That is a 26-degree drop.
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Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, isn't going to be much of a heatwave either. Expect a high of only 28°F and a low of 17°F. It’s going to be cloudy, and while the "Big Snow" everyone whispers about in the grocery store aisles hasn't materialized yet, the "feels like" temperatures are going to stay in the teens for most of the morning.
Why the Ozarks Weather is So Moody
Basically, Rogers sits in this weird topographical pocket. We get these systems that roll off the plains, hit the Ozark Plateau, and just... decide to stay a while.
- The Drought Factor: According to the NWS Little Rock, over 45% of the state is in a severe drought right now. This makes the air incredibly dry. Current humidity is sitting at 35%, which is why your skin probably feels like sandpaper.
- The Wind Chill: Northern Arkansas is currently seeing "brutally cold" wind chills. We’re talking single digits in some spots tonight.
- The "Surprise" Flurries: There’s a 10% chance of snow tonight. Not enough to build a snowman, but enough to make the 71 bridge a little sketchy if you aren't careful.
Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Outlook
If you can survive the deep freeze over the next 48 hours, things actually start to look up.
Tuesday, January 20, brings the sun back with a high of 46°F. By Wednesday, we might even hit 50°F. But don't get too comfortable. This is Rogers. The forecast for Rogers Arkansas shows another potential cold snap and a 30% chance of snow showers by Saturday, January 24.
The local Frozen Toes 5K and 15K is actually scheduled for that Saturday. If you're running in that, you are much braver than I am. The name "Frozen Toes" is looking less like a metaphor and more like a clinical diagnosis given that the projected low is 10°F.
Real-World Survival Tips for NWA Winters
People always ask if they should drip their faucets. When it hits 11°F, the answer is a hard yes.
- Pipe Protection: If your house was built before the 90s, especially in the older parts of Rogers near downtown, those pipes are vulnerable.
- The "Memorial Day" Lesson: We just saw the ribbon-cutting for Greer Lingle Middle School this week, finally repaired after those 2024 tornadoes. It’s a reminder that while winter is cold, our infrastructure is constantly being tested by whatever the sky throws at us.
- Car Prep: Check your tire pressure. This kind of cold makes the "low air" light pop up on your dashboard like clockwork.
Most people get Northwest Arkansas weather wrong because they think "South" means "Warm."
Nope.
We are high enough in elevation that we get the Midwestern winds but south enough that the humidity can turn a light rain into a sheet of ice in twenty minutes.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up during these 10-degree nights. If you're heading out to the Ozark Mountain Music Festival or just grabbing coffee at Onyx, check the radar one last time. The wind is the real enemy this week, so find a coat with a hood that actually stays up.
Stay warm out there.