ARKANSAS — Another heatwave is building across Arkansas this week, though this round of heat looks fairly customary for late August rather than the extreme stretch experienced last week. Unfortunately, temperatures will likely climb above average again to finish the month and start September, keeping the heat firmly in place.
Highs Expected in the Upper 90s With Some 100 Degree Days
Arkansas appears set to enter another heatwave, with highs mostly reaching the upper 90s and a few days potentially hitting the 100 degree mark. This pattern reflects a return to above-average temperatures after any brief relief experienced in recent days.
The upper level ridge responsible for this heat is expected to strengthen across the region, with the core of the hottest air settling directly over Arkansas and neighboring states through the week.
Heatwave Not Expected to Be as Long Lived as Last Time
Unlike the previous heatwave, which stretched more than 20 days, this round of heat is not expected to be incredibly long lived. Forecasters do not anticipate the extended duration that characterized the last stretch of extreme heat across the state.
This heatwave also does not look as intense as the previous one, which reached particularly extreme levels at times. While still hot, the upcoming stretch should fall short of those more extreme conditions experienced recently.
No Legitimate Reprieve Expected in the Short Term
Despite being somewhat less severe than last time, forecasters see no legitimate reprieve in the short term as the heat continues to dominate across Arkansas. Residents should prepare for continued above-average temperatures through the remainder of August and into the start of September…