Right now, Jasper is sitting at a crisp 29°F, though with that northwest wind kicking at 10 mph, it feels more like 19°F. It’s mostly cloudy, and honestly, if you’re looking at the sky, you might see a stray flake or two since there’s a 10% chance of snow.
If you’ve ever stood in the middle of the Jasper square in January, you know the Ozark air hits differently. It’s not just "cold"—it’s that damp, biting chill that finds the gaps in your jacket.
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Today and the Week Ahead
The Jasper arkansas weather forecast for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, predicts a high of 33°F and a brutal low of 11°F. It’ll stay partly sunny during the day with a 20% chance of snow, but things clear up tonight. Just watch out for that wind; it’s expected to gust up to 17 mph.
Tomorrow is looking brighter. We’re talking full sun and a high of 41°F, though the low stays locked at 11°F. It’s perfect "porch coffee" weather if you’re wrapped in a heavy wool blanket.
Short-term Outlook
- Monday: Expect light snow with a high of 26°F and a low of 19°F. Humidity will hover around 40%.
- Tuesday: The sun returns. Highs jump to 47°F with a low of 23°F.
- Wednesday: A bit of a warm-up hits with a high of 51°F. It’ll be partly sunny, but the humidity climbs to 62%.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and 46°F.
The Seasonal Reality of the Ozarks
People think the South is always sweltering. That’s a mistake. Jasper is tucked into the Buffalo River valley, and the geography creates its own little microclimates.
January is historically the coldest month here. While the average high is usually around 48°F, we often see those "Arctic plunges" where the mercury dips into the teens or lower. If you’re planning to hike to Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) this week, you need to be prepared for ice patches on the trail. The leaf-off view is incredible—you can see for miles across the Upper Buffalo Wilderness—but those bluff lines are wind tunnels.
Spring is a totally different beast. By March, the waterfalls like Hemmed-In Hollow start roaring. But "capricious" is the only word for it. You’ll have an 80°F Monday followed by a frost warning on Tuesday. April brings the most rain, which is great for floating the Buffalo National River from Ponca to Kyle’s Landing, but it also brings the risk of quick-forming thunderstorms.
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Summer Heat vs. Winter Ice
Come July, the humidity is the real story. Temperatures average 89°F to 93°F, but the "feels like" temp regularly pushes 100°F. Most local hiking groups actually stop meeting in August because it’s just too dangerous. If you're visiting then, you're either in the river or in the AC at the Ozark Cafe.
Winter road conditions in Newton County are usually okay, but "usually" is a dangerous word. Early morning ice is common on Highway 7, and since it’s a rural area with lower traffic, those patches don't melt as fast as they do in Fayetteville or Little Rock.
What to Pack Right Now
If you are heading out today, layers aren't a suggestion; they're a requirement. Start with moisture-wicking base layers. Avoid cotton. Once cotton gets damp from a hike, it stays cold. You’ll want a windproof outer shell for that 17 mph northwest wind.
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- Footwear: Waterproof boots are a must. Wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry ones.
- Hydration: You might not feel thirsty in the 29°F air, but the Ozark wind is incredibly drying.
- Safety: Check the iDrive Arkansas site for road updates if the snow starts sticking on Monday.
The teal water of the Little Buffalo River looks stunning against the grey winter limestone right now. It's a quiet, stark beauty that most summer tourists never see. Just make sure you’re back inside before that 11°F low hits tonight.
Actionable Next Steps
Keep a close eye on the Monday snow potential if you are traveling. Pack an emergency kit for your car including blankets and a portable charger, as power outages can happen in these higher elevations during winter weather events.