Agree with sprkplug (although I have little authority on the subject). The fish truck my CNBG came from sell north up to about the center of Kansas, although I guess that is no guarantee they actually live.
But your weather in NW Arkansas is decidedly milder most of the time even compared to where I live in SE Ks near Pittsburg.
NW Arkansas is a regular haunt for us for short motorcycle trips and over nighters. Heading SE to places like Beaver lake and Eureka Springs are a lot more interesting riding than if we head NW. Nothing against western Kansas people, but that just gets downright boring riding a motorcycle after a few hours.
