Little Rock, Arkansas – Sunshine is winning the morning across central Arkansas, but darker clouds are already waiting in the wings. The quiet start won’t last long as a wetter pattern develops over the next two days, bringing repeated thunderstorm chances before hotter summer weather returns heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, today’s weather remains mostly sunny with a high near 92 degrees. Heat index values could reach 98 degrees during the afternoon, making it feel considerably warmer for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
The pattern begins changing Tuesday. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops during the afternoon before expanding Tuesday night. By Wednesday, rain chances increase to 80 percent, making it the wettest day of the week. Thunderstorms could produce brief heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, gusty winds, and localized ponding on roads.
Motorists along Interstate 30, Interstate 40, Interstate 430, Interstate 440, and U.S. Highway 67/167 should remain alert for rapidly changing visibility during heavier downpours. Plan extra travel time if storms develop during the afternoon commute.
National weather discussions continue to highlight an active pattern across parts of the Plains and Mid-South, where repeated thunderstorms may produce locally heavy rainfall. While widespread severe weather is not currently expected around Little Rock, a few stronger storms cannot be ruled out, and residents should monitor updated forecasts through midweek.
By Thursday, storm coverage drops to 20 percent as temperatures rebound into the lower 90s. Even hotter weather follows, with highs reaching 95 degrees Friday, 97 degrees Saturday, and near 98 degrees Sunday as summer heat strengthens across Arkansas.
If you have outdoor plans, keep an eye on the sky, stay hydrated, and move indoors when thunder is heard. Never drive through water covering a roadway, even if it appears shallow.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures during the next 6 to 10 days, suggesting a hotter pattern will settle across the region after the midweek storms move through.
Five-Day Forecast for Little Rock, Arkansas
- Today: Sunny with a high near 92°F. Heat index up to 98°F. Low 72°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny with a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 90°F. Low 72°F.
- Wednesday: 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 88°F. Low 72°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with a 20% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 92°F. Low 75°F.
- Friday: Sunny and hotter. High 95°F. Low 76°F.
