Arkansas skies looked heavy and gray across Little Rock late this morning, with damp pavement and thick humidity already hinting at a stormier week ahead. While much of the day stays manageable, conditions across central Arkansas are gradually turning more active as repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms line up through midweek.
According to the National Weather Service, isolated thunderstorms may begin developing after midafternoon around Little Rock, North Little Rock, and communities along Interstate 30 and Interstate 40. Rain coverage expands heading into Memorial Day and continues on and off through Thursday as deep Gulf moisture spreads northward into the Lower Mississippi Valley.
The strongest storms this week could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief heavy rainfall. Widespread severe weather is not expected at this time, but forecasters say a few stronger thunderstorms may contain isolated hail and localized flooding issues, especially where heavier rain repeatedly tracks over the same areas.
Drivers around downtown Little Rock, Benton, Conway, and Jacksonville should prepare for slower travel during afternoon and evening commutes beginning Tuesday. Wet roads and sudden downpours could quickly reduce visibility along major highways and bridges crossing the Arkansas River.
Temperatures remain unusually warm despite the storm pattern. Afternoon highs climb from the upper 70s into the middle 80s by Wednesday, giving central Arkansas an early burst of summer-like humidity and heat. That warmer air will also help fuel additional storm development later in the week.
Long-range outlooks continue signaling above-normal temperatures heading into early June across much of Arkansas, with active spring weather patterns likely lingering nearby for several more days.
Five Day Forecast for Little Rock, Arkansas:
- Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, high near 79°F
- Tuesday: Chance of thunderstorms, high near 82°F
- Wednesday: Thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m., high near 85°F
- Thursday: Showers likely with storms possible, high near 83°F
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 83°F
