Fall Temperatures This Weekend, But Warmer Weather Returns Next Week
Cooler, fall-like temperatures will continue through the weekend. Temperatures will begin warming early next week, with above-average warmth returning. Some locations could approach record-high temperatures late next week. Little to no rainfall is expected over the next 7 days, allowing drought conditions to worsen.
Cooler Weather Continues This Weekend
A strong cold front moved through Arkansas on Friday, bringing a much-needed taste of fall to the region. Behind the front, cooler and drier air has settled across the state, with temperatures running approximately 5–7 degrees below average this weekend.
Afternoon temperatures across Southwest Arkansas will generally remain comfortable, with northerly to northeasterly winds around 10–15 mph and occasional gusts approaching 20 mph on Saturday.
Overnight temperatures will fall into the 40s across much of the state, with some upper 30s possible in the higher elevations of northern and western Arkansas. Patchy frost cannot be ruled out in these colder locations, especially Sunday morning.
Warming Trend Begins Next Week
Unfortunately, this stretch of cooler weather will not last very long.
High pressure will gradually shift east of Arkansas on Sunday, allowing winds to turn more southerly. This change will bring warmer air back into the region beginning Monday.
Temperatures should climb above seasonal averages early next week, with even warmer conditions developing toward Thursday and Friday.
Some locations across Arkansas could approach record-high temperatures by the latter part of next week, although the exact temperatures remain uncertain.
Dry Conditions and Drought Concerns Continue
One of the biggest concerns moving forward remains the lack of meaningful rainfall.
Unfortunately, the latest forecast continues to favor dry conditions across Southwest Arkansas through at least the end of next week, with little to no measurable rainfall expected.
With drought conditions already affecting portions of the region, another extended period without rainfall will only make matters worse.
Vegetation and other fuels will continue drying out, keeping wildfire concerns elevated at times, particularly during periods of low humidity and stronger winds.
Looking Ahead
Overall, the forecast features a brief stretch of pleasant fall weather this weekend before warmer-than-average temperatures return next week.
The biggest concern remains the ongoing dry pattern. Without meaningful rainfall in the forecast, drought conditions will likely continue to deteriorate across portions of Southwest Arkansas.
We will continue monitoring the longer-range forecast for any signs of a pattern change that could eventually bring beneficial rainfall back to the region.
