Weather
Arkansas Weather Shift: 105° Heat Index, Cold Front Oct. 13-17
Little Rock, AR – Arkansas residents face an unusual stretch of October weather this week, with near record heat, dangerous feeling humidity and rain chances before a strong cold front brings a signif
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-13T10:29:16.539Z
Little Rock, AR – Arkansas residents face an unusual stretch of October weather this week, with near record heat, dangerous feeling humidity and rain chances before a strong cold front brings a significant change heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, temperatures Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Wednesday, Oct. 14, will climb well above normal, with afternoon highs reaching the upper 80s to middle 90s across much of Arkansas.
Heat Index Values Could Reach 105 Degrees
Tuesday's forecast calls for highs near 91 degrees in Little Rock, 92 in Fort Smith and 95 in Jonesboro. Increasing humidity could make conditions feel considerably hotter, with heat index values reaching 100 degrees in Little Rock and 105 in parts of northern and northeastern Arkansas.
Wednesday brings another hot afternoon, with temperatures near 92 degrees in Little Rock, 93 in Searcy and 95 in El Dorado. Heat index values could again exceed 100 degrees in several communities.
Residents working outdoors should take precautions against heat related illness, including staying hydrated and limiting strenuous activity during the hottest afternoon hours.
Wednesday Rain Before Weekend Cold Front
Rain chances increase Wednesday afternoon into the evening, especially across northern and northwestern Arkansas.
Fayetteville could receive 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall, while Harrison and Jonesboro could see approximately 0.5 to 1 inch. Central Arkansas, including Little Rock, is expected to receive considerably less precipitation.
The Weather Service estimates Fayetteville has a 61% probability of receiving more than half an inch of rain Wednesday, compared with just 17% in Little Rock.
By Friday, Oct. 16, a strong cold front is expected to move through Arkansas, bringing cooler and drier conditions for the weekend beginning Saturday, Oct. 17.
Specific weekend temperatures were not included in the provided forecast graphics.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts as the timing and strength of the approaching front become clearer.