If you were dreaming of a white Christmas, you may want to swap snow boots for short sleeves instead. Forecasts for the River Valley show Christmas Day 2025 shaping up to be one for the record books, with temperatures in Fort Smith expected to climb near 77°F.
A Historic Warm Spell
Late December temperatures in the River Valley typically top out in the mid-40s. This year’s warm spell is anything but typical, with forecasters calling it one of the warmest Christmas Days in recent memory.
The Forecast: High near 77°F on Christmas Day
The Feel: Backyard football, patio dining, and air conditioning — not fireplaces
What This Means for the Community
Holiday Lights & Events
Mild evening temperatures make Christmas Eve and Christmas Night ideal for last-minute light displays, including the Creekmore Holiday Express and Christmas at the Parks in Van Buren — without the usual freezing wind chill.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, coffee shops, and retail spots open over the holiday may see increased foot traffic as residents take advantage of the spring-like conditions to get out of the house.
Looking Ahead
Enjoy the warmth while it lasts. A cold front is expected to move through the region early next week, bringing temperatures back toward more traditional winter conditions.