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NOUS44 KLZK 281303
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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
703 AM CST Sun Feb 28 2021
...Recent Record Cold and Record Snow in Perspective...
Since written weather history began in Arkansas in 1819, there have
been significant episodes of snow and Arctic cold documented. Taking
a preliminary glance at things, the Arctic outbreak and period of
heavy snowfall in February 2021 looks to be among the most
significant in state history.
.All-time Coldest Recorded Temperatures in Arkansas...
The coldest readings with the February 2021 severe cold outbreak are
officially some of the coldest on record for the state of Arkansas.
The coldest official recorded temperature during this period was -20
at Fayetteville Drake Field on the 16th. This has tied several other
locations and dates as the 8th coldest on record in the state of
Arkansas. This is also the 7th coldest temperature on record in the
month of February.
Low Temperature Date(s) Location(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------
-29 Feb. 13, 1905 Gravette
------------------------------------------------------------------
-28 Jan. 22, 1930 Lead Hill
------------------------------------------------------------------
-25 Feb. 12, 1899 Corning
------------------------------------------------------------------
-24 Feb. 02, 1951 Mammoth Spring
Jan. 18, 1930 Marshall
Feb. 12, 1899 Fayetteville, Harrison, Rogers
------------------------------------------------------------------
-23 Feb. 03, 1951 Gilbert
------------------------------------------------------------------
-22 Feb. 13, 1899 Pocahontas
------------------------------------------------------------------
-21 Feb. 10, 2011 Highfill
Feb. 02, 1951 Mount Ida
------------------------------------------------------------------
-20 Feb. 16, 2021 Fayetteville Drake Field
Jan. 20, 1985 Deer
Jan. 11, 1977 Yellville
Feb. 02, 1951 Norfork Dam
Jan. 13, 1918 Calico Rock
Jan. 12, 1918 Searcy
Feb. 13, 1905 Harrison
------------------------------------------------------------------
.All-time Records or Near All-time Records for Individual
Locations in the State...
During this recent cold outbreak, there were several locations
around the state which saw the coldest readings in their individual
station periods of record.
All-time Record Cold...
All-time Record Coldest Temperature Records
Location New Record Previous Record Since
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Murfreesboro 1 W -13 Feb. 17, 2021 -7 Jan. 12, 1962 1950
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beedeville 4 NE -7 Feb. 17, 2021 -6 Jan. 20, 1985 1964
Feb. 16, 2021
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Rock AFB/ -6 Feb. 16, 2021 -3 Jan. 12, 1962 1956
Jacksonville
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stuttgart Airport -4 Feb. 16, 2021 6 Jan. 17, 2018 1942
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Springs Airport -3 Feb. 16, 2021 -2 Jan. 11, 1962 1948
----------------------------------------------------------------------
February Records for Individual Locations in the State...
Record Coldest February Temperature Records
Location New Record Previous Record Since
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Murfreesboro 1 W -13 Feb. 17, 2021 4 Feb. 05, 1996 1950
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Waldron -12 Feb. 18, 2021 -2 Feb. 08, 1933 1919
Feb. 17, 2021 Feb. 09, 1979
Feb. 03, 1985
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Rock AFB/ -6 Feb. 16, 2021 1 Feb. 03, 1985 1956
Jacksonville
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Batesville Airport -5 Feb. 16, 2021 1 Feb. 04, 1996 1937
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stuttgart Airport -4 Feb. 16, 2021 7 Feb. 11, 2011 1942
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Springs Airport -3 Feb. 16, 2021 1 Feb. 02, 1951 1948
----------------------------------------------------------------------
North Little Rock -1 Feb. 16, 2021 4 Feb. 04, 1996 1975
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Greers Ferry -3 Feb. 19, 2021 1 Feb. 14, 1905 1903
Feb. 16, 2021
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blakely Mountain Dam -2 Feb. 17, 2021 1 Feb. 04, 1985 1956
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabot -3 Feb. 17, 2021 -1 Feb. 03, 1985 1965
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Keo -3 Feb. 16, 2021 -3 Feb. 02, 1951 1948
----------------------------------------------------------------------
.Snowiest Month...
At the locations listed below, February 2021 was the snowiest month
on record...
Snowiest Month Snow Records
Location New Record Previous Record Began
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Rock Feb. 2021 20.3 Jan. 1918 20.0 1874
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheridan Feb. 2021 19.0 Jan. 1988 14.5 1913
North Little Rock Feb. 2021 18.7 Feb. 1979 15.6 1975
Keo Feb. 2021 18.4 Jan. 1988 11.5 1948
Fordyce Feb. 2021 16.7 Dec. 1963 14.0 1911
Little Rock AFB/
Jacksonville Feb. 2021 16.2 Feb. 1979 13.5 1956
Antoine 1 SW Feb. 2021 16.1 Jan. 2000 16.0 1941
Arkadelphia Feb. 2021 16.0 Jan. 2000 15.0 1891
Malvern Feb. 2021 15.3 Jan. 1918 12.5 1882
Murfreesboro 1 W Feb. 2021 15.0 Jan. 2000 12.0 1916
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Des Arc Feb. 2021 13.0 Jan. 1988 12.0 1903
Morrilton Feb. 2021 13.0 Dec. 2012 12.5 1919
Beedeville 4 NE Feb. 2021 10.7 Feb. 1985 10.1 1941
----------------------------------------------------------------------
.Snowiest February...
At the locations listed below, February 2021 was the snowiest February
on record...
Snowiest February Records
Location New Record Previous Record Since
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Rock 20.3" in 2021 13.1" in 1921 1874
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheridan 19.0" in 2021 8.5" in 2011 1913
North Little Rock 18.7" in 2021 15.6" in 1979 1975
Pine Bluff 18.5" in 2021 12.5" in 1985 1883
Keo 18.4" in 2021 7.5" in 1979 1948
Fordyce 16.7" in 2021
Little Rock AFB/
Jacksonville 16.2" in 2021 13.5" in 1979 1956
Antoine 1 SW 16.1" in 2021 8.5" in 1978 1941
Arkadelphia 16.0" in 2021 6.5" in 1966 1891
Malvern 15.3" in 2021 8.0" in 1980 1882
Murfreesboro 1 W 15.0" in 2021 9.0" in 2011 1916
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardy 13.5" in 2021 13.1" in 1905 1897
Perry 13.3" in 2021 12.0" in 1979 1902
Danville 13.0" in 2021 9.8" in 2003 1916
Des Arc 13.0" in 2021 10.0" in 1985 1903
Morrilton 13.0" in 2021 11.5" in 1929 1919
Mammoth Spring 12.5" in 2021 12.5" in 1939, 1905 1904
Star City 11.5" in 2021 7.5" in 1985 1944
Benton 10.8" in 2021 9.0" in 1985 1907
Big Fork 1 SSE 10.7" in 2021 6.8" in 2011 1944
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Washita 9.5" in 2021 8.5" in 2011 1951
----------------------------------------------------------------------
.Records Set at Locations With A Daily Climate Summary (Harrison,
North Little Rock, Little Rock, Pine Bluff)...
Harrison...
At Harrison, the low temperature of -9 on February 16th was the
coldest temperature recorded since December 23, 1989. This was also
the coldest temperature recorded in the month of February at
Harrison since 1951, and the 6th coldest on record during the month.
The high temperature of 4 degrees on the 15th was the coldest high
temperature in the month of February at Harrison since 1899, and
tied February 12, 1899 for the coldest on record during the month.
This was also the coldest high temperature since December 24, 1983,
and tied February 12, 1899 for the 2nd coldest high temperature
since records began.
For 12 days between February 7th and February 18th, temperatures
(both maximum and minimum) stayed below freezing, marking the
longest sub-freezing streak at Harrison since December of 1983, and
the 4th longest such period on record.
Between February 12 and 18, there were six consecutive days with
high temperatures at or below freezing, which tied February 7-12,
1899 for the longest such period on record.
Coldest February High Temperatures at Harrison
1.15 Feb 2021 4*
2.12 Feb 1899 4
3.03 Feb 1996 8
4.14 Feb 2021 9*
5.04 Feb 1989 9
Coldest February Low Temperatures at Harrison
1.12 Feb 1899 -24
2.13 Feb 1905 -20
3.10 Feb 1929 -17
4.13 Feb 1899 -16
5.02 Feb 1951 -14
6.16 Feb 2021 -9*
All-time Coldest High Temperatures at Harrison
1.24 Dec 1983 3
2.12 Jan 1912 3
3.15 Feb 2021 4*
4.12 Feb 1899 4
5.12 Jan 1918 5
North Little Rock...
At North Little Rock, the low of -1 on Feb. 16 was the coldest
temperature recorded since Dec. 23, 1989, the coldest temperature
on record in the month of February, and the most recently tied
Dec. 25, 1983 and Jan. 11, 1982 for the 3rd coldest temperature
since records began in late 1975. The previous monthly record low
for February was 4 on Feb. 4, 1996.
The high temperature of 12 degrees was the coldest high temperature
recorded since January 20, 1985 and most recently tied January 20,
1985 for the 2nd coldest high temperature on record at North Little
Rock. It also set a record for the coldest high temperature in the
month of February, edging out the previous record of 16 on February
1, 1985.
Measurable snowfall (that is snow greater than a trace) was on the
ground from February 15th through February 22nd. This eight-day
period was the longest with measurable snow depth at North Little
Rock since January 1988, and the 5th longest such period on record.
There were eight days with a snow depth of four inches or higher,
which was the longest such period on record, edging out the six-
day period of January 7-12, 1988. The 9.0 inches of snow that fell
on February 15th marked the highest calendar day snowfall at North
Little Rock since January 6, 1988, and was the 2nd highest daily
snowfall on record. This also set the all-time record daily snowfall
for the month of February, edging out the previous record of 6.7
inches from February 6, 1979. The 7.3 inches of snow that fell on
February 17th ended up being the 2nd highest calendar day snowfall
on record in the month of February, and the 4th highest calendar
day snowfall of all time.
Coldest February High Temperatures at North Little Rock
1.15 Feb 2021 12*
2.01 Feb 1985 16
3.04 Feb 1989 17
4.17 Feb 2021 19*
5.05 Feb 1989 19
Coldest February Low Temperatures at North Little Rock
1.16 Feb 2021 -1*
2.04 Feb 1996 4
3.11 Feb 1981 5
4.09 Feb 1979 5
5.15 Feb 2021 6*
Highest February Daily Snowfall at North Little Rock
1.15 Feb 2021 9.0*
2.17 Feb 2021 7.3*
3.06 Feb 1979 6.7
4.09 Feb 2011 6.2
5.13 Feb 1997 5.5
Highest February 24-hour Snowfall at North Little Rock
1. 14-15 Feb 2021 10.9*
2. 06-07 Feb 1979 9.1
3. 17 Feb 2021 7.3*
4. 31 Jan-01 Feb 1985 7.2
5. 09-10 Feb 2011 6.2
Snowiest Februaries at North Little Rock
1.2021 18.7*
2.1979 15.6
3.2011 10.2
4.2003 9.3
5.1985 6.6
Highest Daily Snowfall at North Little Rock
1.06 Jan 1988 10.5
2.15 Feb 2021 9.0*
3.25 Dec 2012 8.6
4.17 Feb 2021 7.3*
5.22 Jan 2016 6.9
Highest 24-hour Snowfall at North Little Rock
1.06-07 Jan 1988 12.0
2.14-15 Feb 2021 10.9*
3.25-26 Dec 2012 10.3
4.06-07 Feb 1979 9.1
5. 17 Feb 2021 7.3*
Greatest Snow Depth at North Little Rock
1.18 Feb 2021 14*
2.07 Jan 1988 12
3.19 Feb 2021 11*
4.08 Jan 1988 11
5.26 Dec 2012 9
Snowiest Year at North Little Rock
1.1979 19.1
2.2021 18.7*
3.2011 17.1
4.1985 15.6
5.1978 15.1
Snowiest Months at North Little Rock
1.Feb. 2021 18.7*
2.Feb. 1979 15.6
3.Jan. 1988 12.4
4.Dec. 2012 10.3
5.Feb. 2011 10.2
Snowiest Seasons at North Little Rock
1.Winter 1978-1979 19.2
2.Winter 2020-2021 18.8*
3.Winter 2010-2011 15.7
4.Winter 1984-1985 15.4
5.Winter 1977-1978 15.0
Snowiest 3-Month Period at North Little Rock
1.Dec. 1978 Feb. 1979 19.2
2.Jan. 1979 Mar. 1979 19.1
3.Dec. 2020 Feb. 2021 18.8*
4.Jan. 2011 Mar. 2011 15.7
5.Dec. 2010 Feb. 2011 15.7
Highest Snow Depth Average by Month at North Little Rock
1.Feb. 2021 2.3*
2.Jan. 1988 1.8
3.Jan. 1978 1.8
4.Feb. 1979 1.6
5.Feb. 1985 1.4
Little Rock...
At Little Rock, the low temperature of -1 on Feb. 16 marked the first
reading at or below zero in the month of February since 1951.
Since temperature records began in 1879, this is only the sixth date
with a reading below zero in the month of February at Little Rock.
This was also the coldest temperature at Little Rock since Dec. 23,
1989, or the date with the previously most recent below zero reading.
The high temperature of 14 on the 15th most recently tied February 8,
1933 for the 2nd coldest on record in the month of February, and for
the 6th coldest high temperature of all time.
There have been four days during the month with low temperatures in the
single digits or colder. This is the most such number in February since
1899, and the second highest on record for the month. Its also the
most in a year, so far, since 1989.
Measurable snowfall (that is snow greater than a trace) was on the
ground from February 15th through the 22nd, a total of eight days.
This was the highest number of days with snow depth of 1 or higher at
Little Rock since 1988 and tied January 7-14, 1988 for the 5th longest
period on record. This period was also the longest period with a snow
depth of 2 or higher since Jan. 11-Feb. 2, 1918 and the 3rd longest
such period on record. Basically, in this eight-day period, Little Rock
recorded the longest stretch of snow depth at or above 5, 6, 7, 8, and
9 inches since January of 1918, and the 2nd longest such period on
record.
The 11.8 inches of snow that fell on February 17th marked the highest
calendar day snowfall on record in the month of February at Little
Rock. The previous record was 8.5 inches on February 23, 1966. This
also marked the 2nd highest calendar day snowfall of all time in
Little Rock. March 6, 1875 remains the all-time highest calendar
day snowfall at Little Rock, with 12.0 inches.
The 11.8 inches of snow that fell on February 17th also marked the
highest 24-hour snowfall on record in the month of February at Little
Rock. The previous record was 11.2 inches on February 18-19, 1921.
This was also the highest 24-hour snowfall at Little Rock since
January 6-7, 1988 and ranks as the 4th highest on record. Only the
following dates were higher; March 6, 1875 (12.0), January 6-7, 1988
(12.4), and January 17-18, 1893 (13.0).
The 8.2 inches of snow in a 24-hour period February 14th-15th ranks
as the 4th highest 24-hour snowfall on record in February.
This February has been the snowiest month at Little Rock since
January of 1918, and has edged out January 1918 as the snowiest month
on record. Since records began in the Little Rock area in 1874, this
is only one of two months with snowfall of 20 inches or more (the
other being January 1918).
The snow depth of 15 inches measured on February 18th marked the
highest measured snow depth at Little Rock since January 21, 1918 and
tied January 21, 1918 for the greatest snow depth on record. It is also
now the highest recorded February snow depth, beating out 9 from
February 19, 1921. Not surprisingly, a snow depth of 11 inches
measured on February 19th most recently tied with January 20, 1918 for
the 4th highest snow depth on record at Little Rock. As far as average
snow depth, the month of February 2021 will end with an average snow
depth of 2.1. This is the highest average snow depth in any given month
at Little Rock since January of 1918, and the 2nd highest on record for
any given month.
Coldest February High Temperatures at Little Rock
1.12 Feb 1899 5
2.14 Feb 2021 14*
3.08 Feb 1933 14
4.10 Feb 1899 14
Coldest February Low Temperatures at Little Rock
1.12 Feb 1899 -12
2.02 Feb 1951 -5
3.13 Feb 1899 -4
4.11 Feb 1899 -2
5.07 Feb 1899 -2
6.16 Feb 2021 -1*
Highest February Daily Snowfall at Little Rock
1.17 Feb 2021 11.8*
2.23 Feb 1966 8.5
3.18 Feb 1921 8.2
4.15 Feb 2021 7.7*
5.08 Feb 2010 7.2
Highest February 24-hour Snowfall at Little Rock
1. 17 Feb 2021 11.8*
2.18-19 Feb 1921 11.2
3.22-23 Feb 1966 9.6
4.14-15 Feb 2021 8.2*
5. 08 Feb 2010 7.2
Snowiest Months at Little Rock
1.Feb. 2021 20.3*
2.Jan. 1918 20.0
3.Jan. 1988 13.6
4.Feb. 1921 13.1
5.Jan. 1893 13.0
Snowiest Days at Little Rock
1.06 Mar 1875 12.0
2.17 Feb 2021 11.8*
3.05 Jan 1960 11.3
4.18 Jan 1893 11.2
5.06 Jan 1988 10.4
Snowiest 24 Hour Period at Little Rock
1.17-18 Jan 1893 13.0
2.06-07 Jan 1988 12.4
3. 06 Mar 1875 12.0
4. 17 Feb 2021 11.8*
5. 05 Jan 1960 11.3
Greatest Snow Depth at Little Rock
1.18 Feb 2021 15*
2.21 Jan 1918 15
3.07 Jan 1988 13
4.22 Jan 1918 12
5.19 Feb 2021 11*
This month, there have been four days with low temperatures of
single digits or below zero. This is the most in one month since
December of 1989.
Pine Bluff...
The low temperature of 0 on February 16th was the coldest
temperature recorded at Pine Bluff since January 30, 1966. Over all,
it most recently tied January 12, 1962 for the 6th coldest on record
at Pine Bluff.
For the month of February, it most recently tied February 7, 1895
for the 5th coldest on record. Since records began in Pine Bluff in
1883, this is only the 4th time the temperature has fallen to zero
or colder during the month.
The high temperature of 17 on February 16th and 15th set a new
coldest high temperature record for the month of February. The
previous record was 18 degrees on February 2, 1985. Between February
15-20th, there were five days with temperatures less than 10
degrees. This is the most in the month of February since 1905.
Coldest February Highs at Pine Bluff
1.16 Feb 2021 17*
2.15 Feb 2021 17*
3.02 Feb 1985 18
4.10 Feb 1899 20
5.03 Feb 1905 21
Coldest February Lows at Pine Bluff
1.12 Feb 1899 -5
2.07 Feb 1895 -4
3.13 Feb 1899 -2
4.02 Feb 1951 -1
5.16 Feb 2021 0*
The 12.5 inches of snow recorded on February 17th was the highest daily
snowfall at Pine Bluff since March of 1892 and the 2nd highest daily
snowfall on record. For the month of February, it broke the previous
record calendar day snowfall of 7.2 inches, which occurred on February
24, 1960. 1
Highest Daily Snowfall at Pine Bluff
1.17 Mar 1892 14.0
2.17 Feb 2021 12.5*
3.28 Jan 1966 12.0
4.22 Dec 1963 12.0
5.27 Jan 2000 11.0
Highest 24-hour Snowfall at Pine Bluff
1. 17 Mar 1892 14.0
2. 17 Feb 2021 12.5*
3.28-29 Jan 1966 12.5
4. 22 Dec 1963 12.0
5. 27 Jan 2000 11.0
Highest Daily February Snowfall at Pine Bluff
1.17 Feb 2021 12.5*
2.24 Feb 1960 7.2
3.02 Feb 1985 7.0
4.26 Feb 1982 6.1
5.25 Feb 2015 6.0
As far as 24-hour snowfalls go, this marked the highest 24-hour
snowfall at Pine Bluff since 12.5 inches fell on January 28-29, 1966
and tied this period for the 2nd highest 24-hour snowfall on record
at Pine Bluff. This also beat the previous February record 24-hour
snowfall of 7.2 inches, which occurred on February 24, 1960.
Highest Daily February Snowfall at Pine Bluff
1.17 Feb 2021 12.5*
2.24 Feb 1960 7.2
3.02 Feb 1985 7.0
4.26 Feb 1982 6.1
5.25 Feb 2015 6.0
Highest 24-hour February Snowfall at Pine Bluff
1.17 Feb 2021 12.5*
2.24 Feb 1960 7.2
3.02 Feb 1985 7.0
4.26 Feb 1982 6.1
5.25 Feb 2015 6.0
On the morning of February 18th, a snow depth of 18 inches was measured.
Since records began in Pine Bluff, this is the greatest recorded snow
depth in the city. The previous record was 14 inches, which was
recorded on March 17, 1892.
Highest Snow Depth at Pine Bluff
1.18 Feb 2021 18*
2.17 Mar 1892 14
3.28 Jan 1966 12
4.23 Dec 1963 12
5.22 Dec 1963 12
With the 18.5 inches of snow recorded this month, February 2021 is the
snowiest month since January of 1966, and the 2nd snowiest month on
record.
Snowiest Months at Pine Bluff...
1.Jan 1966 20.5
2.Feb 2021 18.5*
3.Mar 1892 14.0
4.Feb 1985 12.5
5.Dec 1963 12.2
This is also the snowiest February since 1985, and sets a new record
for the snowiest February on record. The previous record was 12.5
inches in 1985.
Snowiest February at Pine Bluff
1.2021 18.5*
2.1985 12.5
3.1960 9.2
4.1979 8.3
5.1982 7.6
This also marks the snowiest winter since 1965-1966 and the 2nd
snowiest on record.
Snowiest Winters at Pine Bluff...
1.1965-1966 25.1
2.2020-2021 18.5*
3.1984-1985 17.5
4.1909-1910 16.4
5.1981-1982 15.8
____________________________________________________________________________
Notes:
1. Parameters observed/records set in February 2021 are denoted by an
asterisk(*)
2. All data is preliminary until final quality control by the National
Center for Environmental Information (NEIC) in Asheville, North
Carolina.
$$
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