November Tornadoes in Arkansas

November in Arkansas marks a season of transition. With temperatures shifting from the warm, humid days of late summer to the crisp, cool air of approaching winter, it’s a time when residents begin to anticipate the holidays, enjoy the fall foliage, and layer up against the chill. However, for those familiar with Arkansas weather, November also brings a lesser-known yet critical threat: tornadoes. While spring is the season most associated with severe storms and tornado outbreaks, the late fall, specifically November, has proven to be just as dangerous and unpredictable in Arkansas’s weather history.

A Look Back at Tornado History in Arkansas in November

Historically, Arkansas has experienced significant tornado activity in November, making it a secondary peak for severe weather beyond the spring months. For instance, in November 2022, Arkansas faced a powerful tornado outbreak that affected multiple communities across the state. Among the most impactful was an EF3 tornado that struck Trumann, a city that was left dealing with extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The storm highlighted how fall weather can rapidly evolve into life-threatening events, catching those unprepared off guard.

In 2021, Arkansas witnessed another series of November tornadoes, underscoring that late fall storms are not an anomaly. These events brought reminders of the dangers associated with shifting seasonal weather patterns and the unique combination of warm and cool air masses that often collide during this time. The frequent warm-ups during November, mixed with incoming cold fronts from the north, create an environment ripe for thunderstorms, some of which can intensify into supercells capable of producing tornadoes. The clash of differing air masses is often all it takes for severe weather to spark, and in Arkansas, that can mean destructive winds, flash flooding, hail, and, at times, devastating tornadoes.

November Weather Patterns in Arkansas

The month of November is traditionally characterized by cooling temperatures and increasing rainfall. Average highs hover around 61.6°F, while lows drop to near 40.0°F. Rainfall for the month typically totals about 4.5 inches, with periods of heavier precipitation occurring in regions across the state. While the season usually provides a comfortable fall climate, it’s also a period of heightened instability in the atmosphere. This is largely due to the lingering warm air masses in the south that continue to move northward and clash with colder, denser air masses moving down from Canada. When these fronts meet, the rapid shifts in temperature, wind shear, and humidity create conditions that can produce severe thunderstorms and, subsequently, tornadoes.

Late fall tornadoes are often overlooked as residents shift their focus from tornado preparedness to winter preparations, but these November storms can be just as deadly and unpredictable as those in spring. Arkansas’s geographic location within “Tornado Alley” keeps it susceptible to tornado outbreaks even as the season changes.

Key Events: Major November Tornadoes in Arkansas

Several notable tornado events have occurred in Arkansas during November, serving as reminders of the state’s vulnerability to severe weather during this period:



• November 1991 Outbreak: Arkansas saw numerous tornadoes form during an intense storm system in mid-November, with some causing extensive damage across several counties. The tornadoes were part of a larger system that affected multiple states, illustrating how late fall can bring about widespread and impactful severe weather events.
• November 2011 Tornadoes: Another outbreak occurred in the state, affecting primarily rural areas but still leading to significant property damage and injuries. These tornadoes occurred during a stormy November, bringing rain and severe thunderstorms that caught some residents unprepared.

Why Tornadoes Are Common in November

Arkansas’s tornado risk in November is due to the state’s location and the unique atmospheric conditions during the fall season. As the warm Gulf air moves northward and clashes with the cooler Canadian air moving south, it creates the perfect recipe for storm formation. Wind shear, or the change in wind speed and direction with altitude, also plays a significant role. Wind shear in the fall can be particularly pronounced, making it easier for thunderstorms to rotate and spawn tornadoes.

The threat is further heightened by the rapid development of these systems. Unlike spring tornadoes, which may come with more predictable patterns, November tornadoes can develop quickly, giving residents and meteorologists alike less time to react.

Staying Prepared for Fall Tornadoes

With November weather bringing potential tornado threats, it’s important for Arkansas residents to maintain a level of readiness. Here are some tips for tornado preparedness as we move through fall:

1. Stay Informed: November can bring unexpected weather changes. Be sure to monitor local weather forecasts, especially when thunderstorms are expected, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
2. Have a Plan: If you live in a tornado-prone area, have a plan in place. Know where the safest location in your home is (typically an interior room or basement, away from windows) and ensure everyone in the household knows what to do in the event of a tornado warning.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials like water, non-perishable food, batteries, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. This kit should be easily accessible in case you need to seek shelter quickly.
4. Use Weather Alerts: Many mobile apps and NOAA Weather Radios offer real-time alerts for tornado warnings. Consider using these tools to stay informed of any nearby severe weather.
5. Consider Storm Shelter Options: If your home lacks a safe interior room or basement, you may want to look into community shelters or consider investing in a storm shelter. Some areas of Arkansas have designated storm shelters that are open to the public during severe weather events.
6. Review Insurance Policies: Severe weather can result in significant property damage. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers storm-related damages and, if necessary, adjust it to cover potential tornado-related losses.

The Importance of Tornado Awareness Year-Round

Arkansas’s severe weather history shows us that tornadoes can strike any time of year, even during months we may consider "off-season." November tornadoes remind us of the importance of staying vigilant and prepared, no matter the season. As we reflect on past storms and the damage they’ve caused, it’s essential to remember that preparedness and awareness are the best defenses against severe weather.

Whether you’re new to Arkansas or have lived here your whole life, understanding the state’s weather patterns and preparing accordingly is crucial. Tornadoes don’t wait for spring, and neither should your readiness plan. As we move through November and the rest of the year, let’s stay informed, stay safe, and remember that in Arkansas, severe weather can be just around the corner—even in the fall.

Here’s the state forecast for Arkansas over the next 8 days, covering several key areas:

State of Arkansas Forecast: November 11 – November 18, 2024

Monday, November 11, 2024

• Little Rock: Sunny and mild. High 70°F, Low 50°F.
• Fayetteville: Clear skies with a slight breeze. High 66°F, Low 47°F.
• Fort Smith: Pleasant and sunny. High 68°F, Low 49°F.
• Jonesboro: Sunny with a light breeze. High 68°F, Low 48°F.

The week starts with pleasant weather statewide, with sunshine and mild temperatures across Arkansas.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

• Little Rock: Mostly sunny with some passing clouds. High 69°F, Low 48°F.
• Fayetteville: Clear with a slight dip in temperature. High 64°F, Low 45°F.
• Texarkana: Warm and sunny. High 72°F, Low 50°F.
• Hot Springs: Plenty of sunshine, warm. High 71°F, Low 49°F.

Tuesday remains clear and mild across most of the state, with temperatures in the 60s and low 70s during the day.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

• Little Rock: Partly cloudy with a few showers and thunderstorms possible in the afternoon. High 67°F, Low 50°F.
• Fayetteville: Cloudy with a chance of showers and a stray thunderstorm. High 63°F, Low 47°F.
• El Dorado: Light rain and possible thunderstorms. High 66°F, Low 49°F.
• Jonesboro: Cloudy with scattered showers and a possible thunderstorm. High 65°F, Low 47°F.

Midweek, Arkansas sees a slight increase in clouds and a chance of showers, especially in northern and eastern areas.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

• Little Rock: Partly sunny with a cool breeze. High 66°F, Low 43°F.
• Fort Smith: Clearing skies, mild temperatures. High 65°F, Low 44°F.
• Texarkana: Clear and comfortable. High 68°F, Low 46°F.
• Fayetteville: Mostly sunny. High 64°F, Low 42°F.

By Thursday, showers clear out, leaving the state with cooler temperatures and partly sunny skies.

Friday, November 15, 2024

• Little Rock: Mostly sunny and mild. High 66°F, Low 44°F.
• Hot Springs: Sunny with mild conditions. High 67°F, Low 45°F.
• Jonesboro: Clear skies, cool in the evening. High 65°F, Low 42°F.
• Pine Bluff: Partly cloudy. High 66°F, Low 43°F.

Friday is expected to be calm, with clear skies across the state and temperatures in the mid-60s.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

• Little Rock: Intervals of clouds and sunshine, mild. High 69°F, Low 48°F.
• Fort Smith: Partly cloudy and warm. High 70°F, Low 49°F.
• Texarkana: Cloudy intervals. High 72°F, Low 51°F.
• El Dorado: Sunny with a few passing clouds. High 69°F, Low 48°F.

Saturday looks mild and partly cloudy, with comfortable temperatures across Arkansas.

Sunday, November 17, 2024

• Little Rock: Cloudy with a slight chance of light rain. High 68°F, Low 50°F.
• Fayetteville: Mostly cloudy, mild. High 66°F, Low 49°F.
• Hot Springs: Cloudy, potential light rain showers. High 67°F, Low 50°F.
• Jonesboro: Overcast with scattered showers possible. High 67°F, Low 49°F.

Sunday may bring increased clouds and a slight chance of rain across parts of the state, though temperatures remain moderate.

Monday, November 18, 2024

• Little Rock: Mostly cloudy with intermittent sunshine. High 67°F, Low 48°F.
• Fayetteville: Cloudy, cooler. High 64°F, Low 46°F.
• Texarkana: Cloudy with a few breaks of sun. High 68°F, Low 50°F.
• El Dorado: Mostly cloudy, mild. High 66°F, Low 48°F.

The week concludes with overcast conditions but moderate temperatures across Arkansas.

Overall Summary: Arkansas will enjoy a week of mild and mostly pleasant weather, with temperatures generally in the 60s and 70s. A few midweek showers and thunderstorms may impact parts of the state on Wednesday, followed by cooler, clear days to end the week.

John Cook - Journalist
Arkansas Weather Watchers Team