Little Rock, Ark. – The morning sun is already turning sidewalks and parking lots into heat traps, and the most dangerous temperatures of the week are still hours away. Anyone heading outside this afternoon will feel oppressive humidity as extreme heat tightens its grip across central Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. Monday through 9 p.m. Tuesday for much of central, eastern, north-central, and southeast Arkansas. Forecasters expect heat index values as high as 115 degrees, creating a significant risk for heat-related illnesses.
Monday brings mostly sunny skies with a high near 100 degrees. A slight chance of thunderstorms develops during the mid-afternoon, but many locations will stay dry while heat index values climb to 111 degrees. Tuesday turns even hotter with a high near 102 degrees and peak heat index values approaching 114 to 115 degrees.
Drivers along Interstate 30, Interstate 40, Interstate 430, and Interstate 440 should prepare for dangerous vehicle interior temperatures within minutes of parking. Outdoor workers, utility crews, and anyone attending outdoor events should take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, and seek air-conditioned shelter during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
Conditions improve modestly by Wednesday, July 22, as highs ease into the mid-90s under sunny skies. While temperatures trend slightly lower, the air will remain hot enough for continued heat safety awareness. Additional heat alerts could be issued if humidity remains elevated later this week.
Five-Day Forecast for Little Rock, Arkansas
- Monday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 100°F. Heat index up to 111°F. Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Tuesday: Sunny and very hot. High 102°F. Heat index up to 114–115°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 96°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 92°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High 94°F.
