An active weather pattern will continue across the region through the weekend, with some threat for strong to severe thunderstorms forecast through the weekend.
Chances for severe weather will be greatest across the southwest section of the state through tonight. The threat on Thursday will be less concentrated, but may be more focused for western sections. Chances for severe weather will be a tad lower on Friday…but return for Saturday and Sunday.
The primary threats expected with the strongest storms will be large hail and damaging winds, with some tornadoes also possible. Very large hail over 2 inches in diameter and damaging winds over 70 mph could be seen across southwest sections of the state this Wednesday afternoon.
Some areas of heavy rainfall could be seen by late this week. Additional rainfall amounts exceeding 1.5 inches could be seen through Memorial Day, especially across the south half of the state. Locally heavier amounts are possible. This may lead to some isolated flash flooding.
Dangerous heat for Arkansas this week
We are expecting dangerous heat to build throughout the duration of the week. It will be imperative, especially as we near the middle of the week, that any location lacking electricity and/or access to air conditioning will be at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
High Temperatures and dangerous heat index values will increase for the duration of the week across Arkansas.
• The most concerning days for heat-related illnesses will be on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday where both the air temperature and dewpoint temperature will increase.
• The reason will be a warm front lifting through the state on Wednesday leaving a more moist airmass across the state in its wake.