Stormy conditions returning to western and central Arkansas
Sunday, June 15 – Western and central Arkansas are once again under threat from thunderstorms, with the latest updates pointing to intensifying afternoon and evening storms. As of this afternoon, the Arkansas Storm Team is tracking the re-development of rain cells, which are expected to concentrate over regions west of Little Rock and extend through Conway, Russellville, and surrounding areas.
If you’re spending time outdoors today—on the lake, hiking in the Ozarks, or camping across the Ouachita Mountains—stay alert: radar monitoring is crucial, as lightning activity is expected to increase, potentially becoming frequent and dangerous. Heavy downpours and wind gusts exceeding 40 mph (64 km/h) may also accompany the most intense storms. Isolated spots, especially in valleys and low-lying zones, may face brief urban flooding, particularly where rainfall has already accumulated over the last few days.
Overnight round: storms return to northern Arkansas
Another wave of storms is projected to sweep in overnight, primarily targeting northern and central Arkansas during the early morning hours of Sunday. Locations like Fayetteville, Harrison, and Mountain Home are likely to wake up to moderate to heavy showers, with rumbling thunder persisting into mid-morning.
However, this won’t be the end of it.
Sunday afternoon redevelopments: brief calm before more storms
A brief clearing period is anticipated by midday Sunday, offering a short-lived break from the rain. This pause will likely lift cloud cover slightly, raising humidity levels, and allowing temperatures to climb to the mid-80s °F (around 29 °C). By late afternoon, however, fresh storm development is forecast to ignite again, especially over central Arkansas, with possible spillover into eastern counties near the Mississippi River.
Next week: heat takes center stage
As the storm system pushes eastward early Monday, a drying trend will begin. However, the atmosphere won’t offer much relief—high pressure builds in quickly, bringing a notable heat surge. Tuesday and Wednesday could see feels-like temperatures peaking near 100°F (38 °C) in areas such as Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, and even parts of northwest Arkansas. Expect hazy sunshine, oppressive humidity, and a return to summer-like conditions across much of the state.
Stay tuned for continued updates from the Arkansas Storm Team as this volatile pattern unfolds.
