If you’ve lived in the Ozarks for more than a week, you know the local saying: if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes. Honestly, it’s not just a cliché. Harrison sits in this unique topographical pocket where the mountains play tricks with the wind and the humidity. One morning you’re scraping thick frost off your windshield in 13°F air, and by Tuesday afternoon, you’re looking at a high of 46°F and wondering if you can get away with just a light hoodie.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is a perfect example of that mountain mood swing. It’s clear and sunny, but don’t let the bright sky fool you into thinking it's warm. We are looking at a high of 40°F, which sounds decent until you factor in those southwest winds kicking at 16 mph.
The Current Harrison Arkansas Weather Forecast Breakdown
Right now, it is a biting 13°F outside. If you’re stepping out, it actually feels like 3°F. That’s the kind of cold that finds the gap between your scarf and your jacket instantly. The humidity is sitting at 41%, and the wind is coming out of the northwest at a steady 7 mph.
Looking ahead at the next few days, we’re in for a bit of a roller coaster. Tomorrow, Monday, drops back down to a high of 25°F under cloudy skies. It’s going to be one of those grey, heavy-feeling winter days. But then, Harrison does its thing—by Wednesday, the high jumps up to 49°F.
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What to Expect This Week
- Tuesday night: Keep an eye on the sky. There is a 45% chance of light rain as the low stays around 22°F.
- Wednesday & Thursday: We hit a plateau of 49°F. These will be the "warm" spots of the week, mostly sunny and clear.
- Friday: The rain returns. We're looking at a 20% chance during the day and 35% at night, with a high of 51°F.
Why Boone County Weather is So Unpredictable
The geography here is the real culprit. Harrison’s elevation at the Boone County Airport is about 1,365 feet. Because we are nestled in the mountains, we get these "micro-climates." Cold air can get trapped in the valleys while the ridges stay slightly warmer, or vice versa.
Historically, January is our toughest month. I remember looking at the National Weather Service data from 2024—Harrison hit a record low of -4°F on January 16th that year. Compared to that, our current low of 13°F feels almost manageable.
The wind is the other big factor. Since we’re relatively open to the north and west, those arctic blasts come screaming down across the plains and hit the Ozarks without much of a buffer. That’s why our "feels like" temperature is almost always significantly lower than what the thermometer says during a Harrison winter.
Preparing for the Ozark Winter
Kinda makes you want to stay inside with a pot of chili, doesn't it? If you're out and about, the best advice is layers. Real layers. Not just a heavy coat over a t-shirt.
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You’ve got to account for the wind chill. When the wind is hitting 16 mph like it is today, heat leaves your body much faster. Also, keep an eye on Friday’s rain-to-snow transition. With a low of 34°F and precipitation in the forecast, the bridges around Boone County can get slick before the main roads do.
Basically, the Harrison Arkansas weather forecast is telling us to stay alert. We have a mix of clear, sunny days and sudden shifts to light rain and snow showers (especially looking toward next Sunday, January 25, where the chance of snow jumps to 75% at night).
To stay safe and comfortable this week, make sure your tire pressure is checked—cold snaps like this 13°F morning love to trigger those sensor lights. Keep a bag of sand or salt in the trunk if you're traveling the backroads near the Buffalo River, and always check the wind speed before planning any outdoor work. The mountains are beautiful, but they don't give much leeway when the temperature drops.