A Brief Break From the Heat Before Summer Roars Back
After a stretch of dangerous heat, Southwest Arkansas will enjoy a brief break to start the week with lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures. This comfortable pattern won't last long, however, as high pressure strengthens over the southern United States and another heat wave develops later this week. Rain chances will remain very limited through the middle of the week before isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms return by Friday and continue into the weekend.
Monday: A Brief Taste of Relief
An upper-level trough moving through the eastern United States is allowing cooler and noticeably less humid air to filter into the region.
Afternoon temperatures will still climb into the 90s, but lower humidity levels will make it feel much more comfortable compared to recent days.
Skies will remain mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with dry weather expected across nearly all of Southwest Arkansas.
If you've been waiting to spend time outdoors, Monday will likely be one of the most pleasant days of the week.
Tuesday Through Thursday: Heat Gradually Returns
The weather pattern will begin changing as upper-level high pressure expands eastward across the southern Plains.
Each day will become progressively hotter and more humid as southerly winds transport Gulf moisture back into the region.
Expect:
High temperatures climbing from the mid 90s into the upper 90s, with a few locations nearing 100° by late week. Humidity steadily increasing throughout the week. Heat index values approaching or exceeding 105° by Thursday and Friday.
While widespread rain is not expected during this period, an isolated afternoon shower cannot be ruled out, particularly as moisture begins increasing.
Late Week & Weekend: Watching the Heat and Storm Chances
By Friday, the upper-level ridge is expected to weaken just enough to allow isolated to widely scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms to develop.
These storms will remain typical summertime thunderstorms, meaning many locations may stay dry while others receive brief but heavy downpours.
Although rainfall coverage is expected to increase compared to earlier in the week, widespread soaking rainfall is not anticipated at this time.
The combination of hotter temperatures and returning humidity may once again require Heat Advisories by Thursday and Friday.
Fire Weather Concerns
With several consecutive days of hot, dry weather expected before rain chances increase, vegetation will continue to dry out across the region.
Several counties across the ArkLaTex have already issued burn bans, and additional wildfire concerns could develop if dry conditions persist.
Residents are encouraged to use caution with any outdoor burning and stay informed of local burn restrictions.
Looking Ahead
Long-range guidance continues to indicate that above-average temperatures will persist into next week.
While isolated afternoon thunderstorms should become more common over the weekend, they are not expected to provide widespread relief from the heat.
The overall pattern favors continued hot and humid summer weather across Southwest Arkansas through the first half of August.
