Weather Blogs

A History of Severe Weather and Preparedness

As Arkansas Weather Watchers approaches a new season, we’re thrilled to announce some exciting updates. Thanks to the tremendous support from our loyal followers and our incredible local sponsors, we’re able to bring you a whole new level of weather coverage and accessibility. With a new 24/7 weather channel launching on Roku and Fire TV, along with the return of our enhanced mobile app, we’re more dedicated than ever to keeping you informed and safe, whenever and wherever you need us. Our Mission: Trusted Weather Coverage for Arkansas At Arkansas Weather Watchers, our mission is to be your trusted source for EVERYTHING Arkansas Weather, providing timely, accurate forecasts and live storm coverage that keeps you informed and safe. With a commitment to public interaction, we deliver 7-day forecasts, real-time updates, and community-focused weather insights—because if it matters to you, it matters to us! 24/7 Arkansas Weather Channel on Roku and Fire TV One of our biggest updates is the launch of a 24/7 Arkansas Weather Channel, available soon on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. For those who may not be familiar, Roku and Fire TV are streaming platforms that provide easy access to a wide range of channels and services. Roku devices and compatible smart TVs allow you to stream channels, including free options, directly on your television. Soon, our channel will be included, bringing you constant radar, current conditions, and daily forecast videos right to your living room. The Return of the AWW Mobile App We’re also excited to announce that our AWW Mobile App will be back soon, and better than ever! Available for both Android and Apple devices, our redesigned app will offer a streamlined experience to keep you up-to-date on the latest weather wherever you are. Whether you’re checking storm alerts, watching forecast videos, or viewing radar images, the app will be your all-in-one source for real-time Arkansas weather information. Deep Gratitude for Our Followers and Sponsors We’ve reached this milestone because of the incredible support from each of you. Your interaction, loyalty, and dedication are what make Arkansas Weather Watchers a trusted source in our community. We’re honored that you choose to rely on us for your weather updates and safety, and we are committed to continuously improving our services to meet your needs. Our valued sponsors have also been instrumental in making this dream a reality. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Superior RV Witham & Moreland Construction and Services LLC, Witcher Auctions, Yates Maintenance, Little T's Mini Golf & More, Natural State Wireless, and BBB Arkansas for their unwavering support. Their belief in our mission has empowered us to grow and bring you the best in weather coverage. Expanding Partnerships with Local Businesses As we prepare for the Roku channel release, we’re looking for additional businesses to join us as sponsors. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to connect with a state-wide audience who rely on Arkansas Weather Watchers for trustworthy and timely weather updates. If you’re interested in sponsoring or know of a business that might be a great fit, please reach out to us by email. Your support helps us continue our mission to keep Arkansas informed and prepared. Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey! With our upcoming 24/7 weather channel, the return of the AWW mobile app, and your ongoing support, we’re proud to expand our services and bring you the best in Arkansas weather coverage. Whether you’re tuning in through your TV, staying connected via mobile, or following our updates online, Arkansas Weather Watchers is here for you around the clock. Stay tuned for our official launch date and further updates. We’re honored to serve you, and we look forward to growing together to make Arkansas Weather Watchers your number one choice for everything Arkansas weather! John Cook - Journalist Arkansas Weather Watchers Team

This week, Arkansas will see a mix of unseasonably warm conditions followed by a welcome cooldown and potential rain showers as a cold front approaches later in the week. Early Week (Monday - Tuesday) Temperatures: Warm start with highs reaching the low 80s to near 90°F. Overnight lows will be mild, from the mid-50s to mid-60s. Conditions: Mostly sunny and dry due to high-pressure overhead. Breezy southerly winds will reinforce the unseasonably warm October temperatures, especially in central and northern areas. Fire Risk : Fire danger remains high through early week due to dry, windy conditions and ongoing drought. Many areas are under burn bans; avoid outdoor burning to reduce wildfire risks. Midweek Warm-Up (Wednesday) Temperatures: Highs in the mid-80s, about 10-15°F above average. Conditions: Sunny and dry, with southerly winds continuing. However, rain will start to move in on Wednesday evening as the cold front approaches, bringing widespread showers into Thursday. Late Week (Thursday - Friday) Temperatures: Cooler air moves in, especially in northern Arkansas, where highs may dip into the 70s. Southern areas may still reach the low 80s. Rain and Thunderstorms: Widespread rain is expected from Wednesday evening, intensifying Thursday afternoon and evening. Forecasted rainfall totals range from 1-2 inches, with thunderstorms likely, especially Thursday evening—potentially affecting Halloween plans. Impacts: The rain will be beneficial given recent dry conditions, especially for central and northern Arkansas. Weekend Outlook (Saturday - Sunday) Temperatures: Cooler, seasonable temperatures will return, with highs from the mid-60s in northern Arkansas to the low 70s in the south. Overnight lows could reach the mid-40s in northern areas. Conditions: After the front passes, expect dry and cool fall weather to linger into early next week. Key Takeaways Warm Start: The week will begin with unseasonably warm temperatures. Midweek Rain: A significant cold front will bring cooler temperatures and rain starting Wednesday evening, lasting into Thursday. Cooler Weekend: Fall-like conditions return with cooler, dry air for the weekend. Increased Fire Risk: The current dry and windy conditions have raised fire risks, especially in central and western Arkansas where burn bans are active. Take precautions, especially with any outdoor activities. Halloween Prep Tips Prepare for Rain: Halloween on Thursday may see rain and thunderstorms, so plan for raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof costume layers for outdoor activities. Alternative Plans: Consider indoor activities or local events if rain is heavy. Halloween week will shift from warmth to classic fall weather, setting the stage for a cool start to November. Stay tuned to local forecasts, as timing may shift slightly. John Cook Journalist - Arkansas Weather Watchers

A Look at October

Safety for You, Your Family, and Pets

As the colder months approach, it’s essential to prepare your home and vehicle for the change in weather. Here are some safety tips and considerations for the transition:

Strong Cold Front Brings Much Cooler Temperatures Starting Today Starting today, Monday, a powerful cold front is sweeping across Arkansas, bringing a significant change to our weather. After enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures over the past week, the arrival of this front will drop daytime highs into the 60s and 70s. Nighttime temperatures will dip even further, reaching the upper 30s and lower 40s—quite the contrast from the recent mild conditions. This cooler pattern will dominate the region for much of the week, making for crisp fall days. Monday and Tuesday will see the biggest drop in temperatures, with highs struggling to reach the low 70s and overnight lows dipping close to the freezing mark in some parts of the state. This could lead to frost, particularly in low-lying areas, which means it's time to protect sensitive plants or bring them inside. Gusty winds associated with the cold front will make it feel even cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. If you’re heading out, grab those sweaters and jackets, as the chill will set in quickly after sunset. Although this cold front will bring in drier air, which reduces the likelihood of rain, it’s a good time to prepare for cooler conditions overall. Fall activities, such as hiking, pumpkin picking, and football games, will be much more comfortable with some extra layers. Tips to Prepare for the Cold Snap: Layer Your Clothing: Temperatures will fluctuate throughout the day, so be ready to add or remove layers to stay comfortable. Protect Outdoor Plants: Frost could damage sensitive vegetation. Be sure to cover plants or bring them inside to keep them safe. Check Your Heating System: Now is the time to ensure your heater is working properly. You may need it in the coming nights. Secure Outdoor Items: Strong winds can blow away patio furniture or decorations. Secure loose items to prevent damage. This sharp cooldown marks a significant change for Arkansas weather, and while the week will remain dry, you'll want to stay tuned for future updates as more seasonal weather approaches. This cold front could be just the beginning of a more sustained period of chilly autumn air. Stay warm, and make sure you're prepared for the cold! - John Cook Journalist, Arkansas Weather Watcher

Flooding is one of the most common and dangerous natural disasters, often underestimated until it’s too late. Floods can occur due to heavy rainfall, storm surges, or rapidly melting snow. They can cause widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, disrupting entire communities. The dangers of flooding extend beyond property damage. Fast-moving floodwaters can sweep away vehicles, knock down trees, and pose life-threatening risks. Drowning is the most common cause of death during floods, but floodwaters can also be contaminated with hazardous chemicals, sewage, or debris, increasing the risk of infection and illness. Key Dangers of Flooding: Rapid Water Flow: Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, while 2 feet can sweep away most vehicles. Debris: Floodwaters can carry hazardous debris, making them even more dangerous for anyone in their path. Power Outages: Flooding can cause electrical failures, leaving homes and businesses without power for extended periods. Contaminated Water: Floodwaters can carry pollutants, sewage, and hazardous chemicals, posing health risks. Isolation: Roads and bridges can become impassable, cutting off access to emergency services, food, and clean water.

September 14, This day in history