The National Weather Service: A Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) is in place for the state of Arkansas for severe weather. Damaging winds will be the main threat with this event as a line of storms surges through the state in the afternoon. Large Hail is possible early in the event over NW Arkansas. The Tornado threat will be quick-spin-up tornadoes embedded in the line of storms. Action needs to be quick for shelter with these types of tornadoes, which typically are not visible.
A powerful cold front poised to sweep across northern Arkansas could spark strong to severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening, forecasters say, bringing the threat of damaging winds, large hail and embedded tornadoes.
Temperatures today will hit the upper 80s as the region enjoys one last warm, humid day before the frontal system arrives. A chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected to increase after early afternoon, with widespread storm activity possible by evening. South‐southwest winds of 5 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 20 mph, will accompany highs near 86 degrees, with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half inch possible.
As the cold front advances, a squall line is expected to develop over Oklahoma and race eastward into north central and northeast Arkansas by late afternoon. The primary concern is damaging straight-line winds of up to 60 mph, though forecasters caution that large hail and a few brief tornadoes cannot be ruled out. The region falls within a “slight risk” area for severe storms, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
Saturday night will bring ongoing showers and thunderstorms before midnight, tapering into isolated activity early Sunday. Lows may dip to near 51 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Sunday’s forecast looks much calmer, with sunshine returning and highs around 69 degrees.
Residents in north central and northeast Arkansas are urged to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and be ready to move to shelter if warnings are issued.
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