Little Rock, Arkansas – Temperatures are surging toward 90 degrees across Arkansas this afternoon, putting multiple cities within reach of record highs before a cold front triggers a sharp cooldown by Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, highs will climb into the upper 80s to lower 90s statewide today, including 88°F in Little Rock, 90°F in Russellville and Mountain Home, and 89°F in Conway. Several of these readings could tie or exceed daily records, especially with southwest winds increasing to 15 to 30 mph during peak heating hours.
The heat will be short-lived. A cold front moves into northern Arkansas by Friday morning, bringing increasing cloud cover and a chance for scattered showers, mainly north of I-40. Rainfall amounts are expected to stay light, generally a few hundredths up to a quarter inch.
Cities including Fayetteville, Harrison, and Jonesboro have the highest chance for measurable rain, while central and southern areas like Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and El Dorado may see little to no rainfall.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items due to gusty winds today and prepare for rapidly changing temperatures Friday afternoon as cooler air moves in.
Warnings are not in effect, but additional updates may follow as the front approaches.
