Still not looking for any appreciable rainfall across much of Arkansas the next 7 days. This will continue to affect drought and fire weather concerns. However, the latest 8 to 14 day outlook shows promising signs for decent rain chances heading into early November.

*The lack of rainfall continues to result in very dry conditions and a heightened risk of wildfires across Arkansas. Also, a number of counties remain under burn bans.*

Across the country, the worst drought conditions (at least D3) were in the Rockies, Plains, mid-South (including Arkansas), Ohio Valley, and the central Appalachians.

Here at home in October (through the 14th), other than a few sprinkles in places, it was bone dry across the region. Cold fronts were preceded by well above average temperatures, and passed through with nothing more than a wind shift (and maybe a few clouds) followed by very low afternoon humidity levels (less than 20 percent at times). By the 18th, burn bans were posted in 55 (of 75) counties, and many of these counties had a high wildfire danger (according to the Arkansas Forestry Division). Agricultural disasters were declared in Nevada, Perry, and Yell Counties.