Weather
Arkansas Weather Alert: Fire Danger Today, Cold Front by Friday Oct 16
Little Rock, AR – Arkansas residents face an elevated wildfire threat Monday, October 12, as unusually hot temperatures, gusty southwest winds and low afternoon humidity create conditions favorable fo
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-12T10:38:51.431Z
Little Rock, AR – Arkansas residents face an elevated wildfire threat Monday, October 12, as unusually hot temperatures, gusty southwest winds and low afternoon humidity create conditions favorable for fires to spread. The concerns extend across a large portion of the state, with some areas expecting wind gusts approaching 30 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph are forecast around Fayetteville, while Fort Smith, Harrison, Jonesboro and Mena could experience gusts between 20 and 25 mph. Central and southern Arkansas should generally see lighter winds.
Afternoon relative humidity could fall to 20% to 25% across portions of eastern and southern Arkansas, including areas near Pine Bluff, Monticello and El Dorado. Combined with above normal temperatures, these conditions will increase the potential for wildfires.
Temperatures Climb Into the 90s
Monday's highs are expected to reach the lower to middle 90s across much of Arkansas. Little Rock could reach 92 degrees, while Conway and Searcy approach 93 degrees.
Tuesday could bring even hotter conditions, with highs reaching 95 degrees in portions of eastern Arkansas and around Searcy.
Residents should use extra caution with outdoor burning, equipment that produces sparks and discarded smoking materials while dry, windy conditions persist.
Rain Chances Increase Before Weekend Cooldown
A significant weather change is expected later this week.
Rain chances increase Wednesday and Thursday, particularly across northwest Arkansas and the higher elevations of the Ozarks. Some northwestern locations have precipitation probabilities reaching 85% to 90% during portions of Wednesday.
A cold front is forecast to move through Friday, bringing cooler temperatures into Saturday.
By Saturday, highs could fall into the 60s across northern Arkansas, with overnight lows dropping into the lower 40s in some locations.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts as rainfall timing and temperatures become clearer.