Road Trip and Weather Conditions for Interstate I-40
At just over 2,556 miles, Interstate 40 is the third longest interstate in the US. Travelers spanning I-40 east will go through the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. I-40 east begins in Barstow, CA, and I-40 west begins in Wilmington, NC. The I-40 corridor is a key route for travel and commerce between the East and West Coasts.
On the western end of North Carolina, I-40 winds through the Great Smoky Mountains, which frequently is closed due to landslides and other weather conditions. Landslides are also common in the Pigeon River Gorge section along the border with Tennessee. Accidents here are common in bad weather.
Highway I-40 Weather & Road Conditions
Interstate 40 (I-40) is a major east-west Interstate Highway in the United States. In fact, it is the third-longest interstate in the country. I-40 spans eight states, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Because I-40 traverses such a large area of the United States, drivers may encounter a wide range of weather conditions.
As such, travelers should be aware of the potential weather conditions they may encounter while driving on I-40.
For example, in the state of California, which I-40 traverses from west to east, the weather can be quite variable. In the northern part of the state, near the city of Barstow where I-40 begins, the weather is generally hot and dry during the summer months. However, in the southern part of the state, near Los Angeles, the weather is generally milder.
Further east, I-40 road conditions in Arizona generally are hot and dry throughout the state. However, monsoon season (July-September) may bring heavy rains and flash flooding to some areas.
I-40 Road Conditions in New Mexico
I-40 road conditions in New Mexico can vary depending on which part of the state you are in. For example, in the northern part of the state, near Albuquerque, the weather is generally dry and sunny. However, in the southern part of the state, near Santa Fe, the weather is generally cooler and wetter.
Texas also has a wide range of weather conditions depending on which part of the state you are in. In the western part of the state, near El Paso, the weather is generally hot and dry. However, in the eastern part of the state, near Dallas, the weather is generally hotter and more humid.
Similarly, Oklahoma also has a wide range of weather conditions depending on which part of the state you are in. In the western part of the state, near Oklahoma City, the weather is generally hot and dry. However, in the eastern part of the state, near Tulsa, the weather is generally hotter and more humid.
I-40 road conditions in Arkansas may be less impacted by weather with a mild climate with four distinct seasons. However, thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer months.
Road Conditions in Tennessee on I-40
Road conditions on I-40 in Tennessee can be affected by variable the weather depending on which part of the state you are in. In the western part of the state, near Memphis, the weather is generally hot and humid. However, in the eastern part of the state, near Nashville, the weather is generally milder.
Lastly, North Carolina also has a wide range of weather conditions depending on which part of the state you are in. In the western part of the state, near Asheville, the weather is generally cool and humid. However, in the eastern part of the state, near Wilmington where I-40 ends, the weather is generally milder.
So, as you can see, the weather conditions along I-40 can vary widely depending on which part of the country you are in. As such, it is important for drivers to be aware of the potential weather conditions they may encounter while driving on I-40.
The Scenic Beauty of I-40
The I-40 crosses some of the most scenic and historically important areas in the United States. Travelers on I-40 can enjoy stunning landscapes and attractions along the way, making it a great option for a cross-country road trip. There are many attractions and points of interest along the way. Here are a few examples:
- In Arizona, travelers can visit the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park is located on the southern rim of the canyon and is a must-see for anyone traveling through the area.
- In Oklahoma, I-40 crosses the iconic Route 66. This stretch of road has been made famous by pop culture and is a great place to stop for a photo op or to explore some of the small towns along the way.
Arkansas I-40 Attractions
If you're looking for Arkansas attractions near I-40, you won't be disappointed. The Ozark Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to a variety of activities, both indoors and out. From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, the options are endless. This area is perfect for nature lovers and there are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities in the area. And don't forget the amazing food! There's something for everyone in Arkansas.
If you're looking for Arkansas attractions near I-40, you won't be disappointed. The Ozark Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to a variety of activities, both indoors and out. From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, the options are endless. And don't forget the amazing food! There's something for everyone in Arkansas.
Major Junctions of I-40
In California:
- I-40 East begins in Barstow, California, at the junction of I-15.
In Arizona:
- I-40 has a major junction at US-93 in Kingman, Arizona.
- I-40 also has a major junction with I-17 in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In New Mexico:
- I-40 has a major junction with I-25 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In Texas:
- I-40 has a major junction with I-27 in Amarillo, Texas.
In Oklahoma:
- I-40 has major junctions with I-44, I-35, I-235, and I-240 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
In Arkansas:
- I-40 has major junctions with I-49 and I-540 in Alma, Arkansas.
- I-40 has major junctions with I-30, I-57, I-430, and I-440 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
- I-40 has a major junctions with I-55 in West Memphis, Arkansas.
In Tennessee:
- I-40 has major junctions with I-60, I-240, and I-269 in Memphis, Tennessee.
- I-40 has a major junction with I-840 in Burns, Tennessee.
- I-40 has major junctions with I-24, I-65, and I-440 in Nashville, Tennessee.
- I-40 has a major junction with I-840 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
- I-40 has major junctions with I-75, and I-140, I-275, and I-640 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- I-40 has a major junction with I-81 in Dandridge, Tennessee.
In North Carolina:
- I-40 has major junctions with I-24 and I-240 in Asheville, North Carolina.
- I-40 has a major junction with I-77 in Statesville, North Carolina.
- I-40 has major junctions with I-74 and I-285 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
- I-40 has major junctions with I-73, I-85, I-785, and I-840 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- I-40 has major junctions with I-540 and I-885 in Durham, North Carolina.
- I-40 has major junctions with I-87 and I-440 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- I-40 has a major junction with I-95 in Benson, North Carolina.
- I-40 has a major junction with I-140 in Murraysville, North Carolina.
- I-40 West begins at the junction of US-117/NC-132 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
This map shows the current & 7-day weather forecast, road conditions, and weather radar for all of US interstate I-40.
