Arkansas gets a much needed break today. After Saturday brought damaging wind gusts, hail and a heat advisory across much of the state, Today looks far calmer, with temperatures closer to normal for mid July and only a small chance of stray showers.
The overnight storms wind down
The cold front responsible for Saturday’s severe weather stalled out early this morning, and the storms that rode along it have mostly faded. Rather than another round of severe weather, forecasters expect just a few lingering showers in spots before the system pushes off. The front is still close enough to keep a low, level 1 out of 5 risk of severe weather in play for parts of southern Arkansas today, but that risk is a fraction of what the state saw Saturday.
Today brings a return to normal heat
Temperatures Today will feel more typical for this time of year. Highs are expected to land in the upper 80s to low 90s, a step down from Saturday’s combination of storms and dangerous heat. Morning conditions should start mild, with a light breeze helping keep the air comfortable before the afternoon warmth builds in. Humidity levels are not expected to be especially high, which should make the heat feel more manageable than it did the day before.
A small chance of an afternoon shower
Not every corner of the region will stay completely dry. A spotty shower or storm remains possible this afternoon and evening, mainly in the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas, as leftover moisture lingers behind the front. Any activity that develops should stay isolated and weak compared with Saturday’s storms, and most areas are likely to see far more sunshine than rain today.
Next week brings another round of storms
The calm will not last through the whole week. An upper level area of low pressure is expected to move into the region Monday through Wednesday, bringing another chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs during that stretch should hold in the upper 80s to low 90s, similar to Today, before conditions shift again later in the week.
Heat builds back in in for next weekend
Once the midweek storm chance clears out, attention turns to rising temperatures. Rain chances become more isolated by Thursday, and highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s heading into next weekend. That warmup mirrors a broader pattern across the region this month, with humidity staying relatively low even as the numbers on the thermometer climb.
For anyone with outdoor plans, Today is the better day to get out and enjoy it. Morning hours should be pleasant and dry across the board, and even the isolated shower risk later in the day is not expected to disrupt most activities. It is a solid window before another round of unsettled weather arrives midweek and before the heat ramps back up by the following weekend…