A fast-moving cool front will bring strong to potentially severe thunderstorms across parts of Arkansas on Saturday, threatening damaging wind gusts, hail, flash flooding and frequent lightning while a broad Heat Advisory remains in effect for much of central and eastern counties.
Where and when the storms are expected
Forecasters say storms should develop and move southward across the state Saturday, with the highest severe risk centered in central and northern Arkansas. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a level 2 of 5 risk across portions of those regions, while portions of central and southern Arkansas are under a lesser level 1 of 5 risk.
| Area | Threat level | Primary hazards |
|---|---|---|
| Central & Northern Arkansas (e.g., Little Rock, Conway, Jonesboro) | Level 2 of 5 | Damaging gusts, hail, flash flooding, lightning |
| Central & Southern Arkansas | Level 1 of 5 | Wind, hail, brief heavy rain |
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for parts of northern and central Arkansas through 8 p.m. CDT Saturday. Communities included under the watch list encompass Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Russellville, Heber Springs, Mountain Home and Jonesboro.
Flooding and heat concerns
Along with wind and hail, forecasters highlighted the chance of flash flooding where storms train or produce intense downpours. The risk of lightning also will be significant during storm activity. Despite the front, daytime heat remains a hazard: a Heat Advisory is in place across much of central and eastern Arkansas through 8 p.m. Saturday, with dangerously hot conditions expected before the front passes.
- Take shelter immediately if thunderstorms approach; avoid windows and open spaces.
- Do not drive through flooded roadways — turn around, don’t drown.
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor exertion while the Heat Advisory is active.
- Keep tuned to local radio, television or weather apps for watches and warnings.
Forecast guidance indicates the front will stall early Sunday, reducing widespread severe potential overnight into Sunday morning; only isolated showers are expected for a time. Into next week, an upper-level low is likely to produce additional scattered showers and storms from Monday through Wednesday before rain chances diminish toward the following weekend and temperatures rebound into the mid- to upper-90s.
Residents should monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local media for any escalation of watches to warnings and for specific timing for their county.
