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An approaching cold front will bring a chance of showers and slightly cooler temperatures to Saline County and central Arkansas heading into Friday, following elevated heat index values Thursday afternoon. However, weather officials warn that the brief precipitation will not be enough to relieve severe drought conditions covering much of the state. Read more below.
The National Weather Service in Little Rock issued a Heat Advisory through 8 p.m. Thursday for Saline, Pulaski, and surrounding central Arkansas counties, with heat index values reaching up to 107 degrees. High temperatures topped out in the mid-90s ahead of the frontal boundary.
Precipitation chances increase Thursday night into Friday as the frontal system moves across the state. Forecasts indicate a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday night, with rain chances rising to 60 percent by Friday afternoon and evening. Friday is expected to be the coolest day of the week, with cloud cover keeping high temperatures near 90 degrees before rain chances taper off early Saturday.
Despite the incoming rain, meteorologists emphasize that the rainfall totals will fall far short of making a significant dent in long-term moisture deficits. According to the latest drought monitoring, drought conditions cover almost all of Arkansas, with large portions experiencing severe to extreme drought and isolated areas reaching exceptional drought status.
By Saturday, upper-level high pressure will build back across the region, bringing a return to hot and dry conditions. High temperatures throughout next week are projected to return to the mid-90s, with heat index values exceeding 100 degrees across most of the state.
The Climate Prediction Center expects drought conditions to persist across the majority of Arkansas through the remainder of September, though extended forecast models indicate potential for increased rain chances late next week.
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