Arkansas needs rain, that’s for sure. But rain in April usually comes with strings attached in the form of severe storms. In fact, thunderstorms have very high rainfall rates, so that’s helpful if we’re looking for a silver lining. However, Arkansans need to be weather-aware during a multi-day stretch with at least some storm chances somewhere in Arkansas each day. This goes from Friday, April 24, to Monday, April 27.
Friday is an Arkansas Storm Team Alert Day for the storm risk. There will be two rounds of storms. The morning round will be mainly a damaging wind gust risk with small hail, heavy rain, and lightning also associated. This may cause issues for some during the morning commute. The second round is in the afternoon/evening/nighttime, and this round will be capable of all severe hazards (i.e., large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a very low tornado risk).
Some won’t see storms at all on Friday. Some may see both rounds. But where the second round fires is not known, and it won’t be known until those storms go up.
Saturday is dry for much of the day, and many won’t see any storms. But late Saturday night into Sunday morning, western Arkansas could see strong to severe storms pushing out of eastern Oklahoma. These storms could make it into central Arkansas. Before going to bed on Saturday, ensure you have ways to be woken up in case a warning is issued while you’re sleeping. All severe modes will be possible with this round, but damaging wind gusts and a very low tornado risk will be the main hazards.
Sunday, another round of storms is possible, then another round on Monday. All modes of severe hazards are possible on each of these days, so continue to be weather-aware.
The system that’ll be hanging around Friday to Monday moves off to the east late Monday, ending the multi-day risk. Overall, parts of western Arkansas (and any areas that see consistent thunderstorm activity) could see very beneficial rainfall. Parts of the state may not even see an inch, though.
Some models suggest that where the worst of the drought is statewide, in northeast Arkansas, is where the least rainfall will occur.
Another system could bring yet another storm chance mid next week, so more rain chances are on the way, possibly, too.
For the latest, and for ways to receive warning information for your location, download the free Arkansas Storm Team app…