WARREN, Ark. – The National Weather Service in Little Rock is warning Arkansans to brace for an intense heat wave in the coming weeks, with forecast models showing a 68–75% probability of above-normal temperatures between July 21 and 29.
In a Facebook post shared Tuesday afternoon, the NWS highlighted two temperature outlook maps issued by the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. The maps show a swath of deep red and even pink—a rare occurrence in the middle of summer, especially for Arkansas—blanketing much of the southern and eastern U.S.
The 6–10 Day Temperature Outlook (valid July 21–25) places much of Arkansas in a zone with a 69–74% chance of experiencing above-normal temperatures. The 8–14 Day Outlook (valid July 23–29) maintains that probability, with the core of the heat centered directly over the state.
“I do not think this graphic needs a lot of explaining,” said the NWS Little Rock in the Facebook post. “Let’s just say it’s not very often you see the pink coloring on this type of map in the middle of summer, in Arkansas. Needless to say, it’s going to be hot.”
With the elevated probability of hotter-than-normal conditions, residents are urged to begin preparing for possible heat advisories and to stay alert to updates from local emergency officials.
For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service Little Rock’s Facebook page at facebook.com/NWSLittleRock.
