Weather
Arkansas Warming Trend: Above-Normal Heat Through Saturday Oct 24
Little Rock, AR – Arkansas residents can expect a noticeable warming trend this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 80s across much of the state as above normal October warmth returns.
By Owen Prescott · 2026-10-18T16:48:41.467Z
Little Rock, AR – Arkansas residents can expect a noticeable warming trend this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 80s across much of the state as above normal October warmth returns.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, temperatures will begin the week near seasonal averages before gradually increasing through Wednesday, October 21. By Thursday and into the weekend, several communities could experience afternoon highs approaching 85 degrees.
Temperatures Climb Into the 80s by Midweek Sunday, October 18, begins with relatively comfortable conditions, with afternoon temperatures generally reaching the upper 60s to upper 70s across the forecast area.
Monday brings warmer weather, with highs climbing into the middle 70s and lower 80s.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures are expected to rise further, with many communities reaching the upper 70s and lower to middle 80s.
Hot Springs, Little Rock, Monticello, Mena, Harrison and Mountain View are among the locations included in the latest forecast.
Thursday Could Bring Some of the Warmest Temperatures The National Weather Service forecast shows temperatures reaching approximately 80 to 86 degrees across the selected communities Thursday, October 22.
Monticello and Hot Springs are among the locations expected to experience some of the warmest afternoon conditions.
Although daytime temperatures will rise above average by midweek, overnight lows are expected to remain closer to seasonal norms initially.
Morning temperatures generally range from the 40s early in the week to the 50s as the warming trend continues.
Above Normal Warmth Continues Into Saturday Forecasters expect unusually warm conditions to persist into next weekend, with both afternoon highs and overnight lows trending above average.
Residents planning outdoor activities should prepare for warmer afternoons despite the calendar approaching late October.
The National Weather Service has not identified a significant cooldown in the forecast period shown.