Little Rock, Arkansas – Parts of central and southeastern Arkansas are facing a dual weather threat Saturday, with heavy morning thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding before dangerous heat returns for the weekend and intensifies into early next week. Residents should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions as flooding concerns transition into oppressive heat.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, a Flood Watch remains in effect through noon Saturday for portions of central and southeastern Arkansas, where a weak disturbance could produce 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with locally higher amounts where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same locations. The greatest flash flooding threat is focused across southeastern Arkansas.
As rain exits the region, afternoon temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 90s, while a Heat Advisory remains in effect for portions of central and northern Arkansas. Heat index values are forecast to reach 105 to 109 degrees Saturday, then climb to 110 degrees or higher Sunday through Tuesday in many locations. Some communities, including Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Stuttgart, Pine Bluff, Brinkley, Hot Springs, Russellville, and Batesville, could experience peak heat index values between 110 and 115 degrees early next week.
Motorists traveling on Interstates 30, 40, 49, and 530, along with highways across central and southeastern Arkansas, should watch for water-covered roads Saturday morning and never drive through flooded areas. As the heat builds, residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, wear lightweight clothing, and check on older adults, young children, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
The flooding threat is expected to diminish after Saturday morning, but the dangerous heat will persist into early next week. Additional heat advisories or warnings are likely as temperatures and humidity continue to increase.
