LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS — A dangerous and oppressive heat event is gripping Arkansas on Wednesday, with maximum heat index values at 3:30 p.m. surging well above 100 degrees at nearly every location across the state. Searcy and Stuttgart are both forecast to feel like 109 degrees, with Lake Village also hitting 109 degrees and Wynne reaching 107 degrees.
Little Rock will feel like 106 degrees while Russellville climbs to 105 degrees and Fort Smith reaches 102 degrees. Forecasters describe this as a truly classic July heat pattern for Arkansas, with only very isolated showers and thunderstorms possible this evening while most of the state remains hot and humid throughout the day and night.
Central and Eastern Arkansas Bear the Brunt of the Heat
The most intense heat index values Wednesday afternoon are concentrated across central and eastern Arkansas, where Searcy at 109 degrees, Stuttgart at 109 degrees, Wynne at 107 degrees, Batesville at 107 degrees, and Monticello at 107 degrees represent the peak of the event. Little Rock sits at 106 degrees with Pine Bluff and Helena each reaching 106 degrees as well.
Northern Arkansas Also Under Dangerous Heat Index Readings
Northern Arkansas communities that might typically offer slightly cooler conditions are also deep into dangerous territory Wednesday, with Harrison and Mountain Home both reaching 101 degrees on the heat index. Jonesboro sits at 106 degrees and Clinton reaches 103 degrees, keeping the entire northern tier of the state well above comfortable levels.
Southern Arkansas Faces 100 to 109 Degree Heat Index
Across southern Arkansas, communities including Lake Village, El Dorado, Camden, and Texarkana will see heat index values ranging from 103 to 109 degrees. De Queen reaches 101 degrees while El Dorado hits 105 and Camden climbs to 105 degrees through the peak afternoon heating hours.
Very Isolated Evening Storms Possible But Most Stay Hot and Humid
A very isolated shower or thunderstorm could develop across portions of Arkansas this evening, but forecasters note most locations will see nothing but continued heat and oppressive humidity through the overnight hours.
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