NWS Little Rock, AR - March, 2023 Monthly Summary

Above normal temperatures and rainfall were above normal across much of the state during the month of March. 

March unfortunately turned out to be a busy weather month across the Natural State with nearly all forms of hazardous weather occurring. Storms early in the month provided flooding and severe weather with additional rounds of rain and storms impacting the area through the 31st. A late season freeze took place around the middle of the month, but even with a few days of cold temperatures, average temperatures for the month were well above normal. By the end of the month, several locations across the state were in the top 10 for wettest years on record for the period Jan 1-Mar 31.  

March certainly roared in like a lion across the state with back to back severe weather events on March 1st and 2nd into the 3rd. Storms on these days led to a few tornadoes as well as hail as large as 3 inches in diameter. Very heavy rainfall was noted across the area as well which led to flash flooding and widespread river flooding. One fatality occurred because of the flooding in Scott County on March 2nd. 

Another round of severe weather took place across the state from March 11-12. Storms initially developed across eastern Oklahoma and shifted east into the state. Some of these storms were severe with hail occurring across portions of central and west/southwest Arkansas. Hail as large as 1.75" in diameter was recorded. 

Several rounds of rain and thunderstorms were observed around the middle of the month. This led to increasing river flooding across the state. In the wake of a couple of these storm systems, much colder air spilled into the state. Near to below freeing temperatures were noted during the overnight hours during this timeframe. This led to frost development and a damaging freeze in some locations. 

There wasn't much severe weather across the state from Mar 23-24, but another round of heavy rainfall occurred across Arkansas. Totals in some areas exceeded 5 inches which again led to flash flooding and worsening river flooding. A couple of storms produced hail, but severe weather was much worse to the southeast of Arkansas. On the evening of March 24th, an EF4 tornado travelled across portions of western Mississippi killing more than 20 people. 

While March has the tendency to "come in like a lion, but go out like a lamb" that was not the case this year. March came to an end with one of the more significant severe weather events to impact the state in several years. A potent storm system moved across the middle of the country with a cold front moving into the state from the west. There was an abundance of instability and as storms developed by noon on the 31st, there was an expectation that tornadoes (some strong) would likely develop.

Individual, robust storms (supercells) developed from north central to west central Arkansas by mid-day and began to move east through the evening hours. A couple of the more significant storms rotated for much of their lifecycles. One of these moved from Saline County into Pulaski County before ending up in Lonoke County. Throughout this area a tornado developed and rapidly intensified across portions of West Little Rock then moved northeastward across Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville before dissipating south of Cabot. This tornado produced 165 mph winds (EF3 rating) and remained on the ground for nearly 32 miles. There was one fatality associated with this tornado.

A second supercell developed in the wake of the storm responsible for the Little Rock tornado and began to march eastward. This storm produced at least two tornadoes across eastern Arkansas with the more notable one impacting Wynne (Cross County). There was utter devastation across the city of Wynne as well, with this tornado tracking right through the middle of town. The tornado was rated an EF3 and led to 4 fatalities as it moved through the city. Additional storms were noted across Arkansas and to the east late in the 31st. Numerous additional tornadoes impacted the country that day and led to widespread destruction, injuries and fatalities. 

Link of Interest

Destructive Tornadoes on March 31, 2023

 

Temperature and Precipitation Trends

In the picture: Temperatures at Little Rock (Pulaski County). Click to enlarge.

 

In the picture: Precipitation at Little Rock (Pulaski County). Click to enlarge.

 

In the picture: Precipitation across Arkansas.

 

Link of Interest

Detailed Monthly Statistics

Back to Main Page Back to Storm Reports and Storm Data https://www.weather.gov/lzk/mar2023.htm