Little Rock, AR – Unsettled weather has returned to Arkansas and is expected to persist through Friday, bringing widespread rain and a low-end threat for severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service in Little Rock reports that the western half of Arkansas is most likely to receive 1–2 inches of rainfall or more through Friday evening, supported by probabilistic data showing the highest confidence west of Little Rock, Fort Smith, Russellville, and Mena.
According to forecasters, storms developing today into tonight may produce damaging winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail, though the tornado potential remains very low. The Storm Prediction Center places much of western and northwestern Arkansas in an isolated-level severe risk, with scattered showers expected elsewhere across the state.
Temperatures will vary sharply: highs in the 60s across northern Arkansas, while southern Arkansas climbs into the 70s and near 80 degrees. Rainfall amounts have trended slightly downward in recent days, but the location of highest rainfall potential has remained consistent, raising the possibility of minor flooding in vulnerable areas.
Storms will gradually taper off by Friday night as a drier pattern takes hold.
