Little Rock, Ark. – Scorching summer heat will grip Arkansas through Thursday evening, sending the heat index soaring to 115 degrees in cities from Little Rock to Conway and Pine Bluff. Schools, road crews, and residents across more than two dozen counties are bracing for one of the most dangerous heat waves of the season.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for central, eastern, north-central, and western Arkansas—including Pulaski, Saline, Jefferson, White, Independence, and Monroe counties—until 9 p.m. Thursday. Daytime highs and tropical humidity will combine for hazardous conditions, especially for children, older adults, and outdoor workers.
In Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Benton, public cooling centers are opening, and city leaders urge people to limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Many districts are reworking outdoor schedules, while highway departments advise drivers to watch for overheated vehicles and utility crews making repairs.
To stay safe, Arkansans should drink water frequently, avoid strenuous outdoor work during peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Never leave children or pets in vehicles—interior temperatures can become lethal within minutes. OSHA recommends frequent shaded breaks for outdoor workers.
Extreme heat will persist through Thursday, with a chance of relief by Friday morning as cooler air moves in. Further advisories are possible if the heat lingers into the weekend.
