Arkansas – Mild conditions will briefly take over Arkansas on Tuesday, but a powerful cold front is set to bring severe weather by Wednesday night. Temperatures will soar to the upper 80s across much of the state on Tuesday, potentially tying or breaking records, while overnight lows drop to the mid-60s. This warmth will soon shift, however, as a cold front approaches, bringing heavy rain, high winds, and the potential for severe thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the cold front is expected to enter western Arkansas late Wednesday and move southeast through the state overnight. The primary threat includes damaging wind gusts up to 80 mph, large hail, and isolated tornadoes, especially for areas along and north of the I-30 corridor. Those in impacted areas should secure outdoor items and prepare for possible power outages.
Rainfall is forecasted to accumulate between 1 to 3 inches by Thursday, with localized totals reaching up to 6 inches in parts of northern and western Arkansas. Flash flooding could impact low-lying and poorly drained areas, making roads hazardous. Travelers are advised to monitor road conditions, particularly along major routes like I-40 and I-30, where sudden flooding may occur.
On Thursday, showers are expected to linger, though storm intensity will diminish by midday. Cooler temperatures will follow the front, bringing highs in the mid-70s and lows in the low 50s through Friday. Friday and Saturday are predicted to be mostly sunny, with mild highs in the upper 60s, offering a brief respite before rain chances return over the weekend.
