Forecasters have expanded the chance for light freezing rain this weekend to now include portions of western Arkansas in addition to the state's north.
Much cooler air will move into the state Saturday, dropping temperatures below freezing in the northwest that afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
North Little Rock meteorologist Brian D. Smith said precipitation will switch from rain to freezing rain in other parts of northern and western Arkansas during the evening hours.
“Our confidence in any light freezing rain or drizzle falling across northern Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas is high,” Smith said.
Confidence in the amount of precipitation, however, is “somewhat low,” the meteorologist added.
The amounts are expected to be “very light,” and the freezing rain could result in the forming of a “thin glaze of ice,” especially on elevated surfaces, according to the latest advisory.
The speed of falling temperatures and redevelopment of rainfall Sunday morning could prompt changes in the forecast, Smith said.
The system is set to bring rain to much of Arkansas starting Friday night. Highs on Friday are forecast to be in the 50s and 60s.