This Sunday morning, Jan. 18, is anticipated to bring with it the coldest temperatures to date for this winter.
So says the National Weather Service in Little Rock, whose latest forecast predicts mostly below normal temperatures over the next week in parts of Arkansas.
As of Thursday afternoon, Arkadelphia’s extended forecast called for a low temperature of 18 degrees Saturday night.
The mercury will fall below freezing each night through at least Tuesday, with a low Monday around 16. Beginning Saturday, Daytime highs will be in the low to mid 40s through Tuesday.
Dry conditions, drought continue
Dry conditions will persist in coming days, the NWS said, noting that the wildfire danger remains moderate across all of Arkansas.
As of Thursday, Jan. 15, more than one-third of the state’s 75 counties remained under a county judge-issued burn ban, reported the Arkansas Forestry Division. Seven of those counties — Polk, Montgomery, Sevier, Howard, Hempstead, Lafayette and Columbia — were in South Arkansas.
With no widespread or appreciable precipitation expected in the immediate future, additional burn bans may be issued.
Most of Arkansas is currently experiencing drought conditions. Over 45% of the state was in severe drought or greater based on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map. The map indicates that drought conditions have worsened in Clark County, as now all but the extreme southern portion of the county is in moderate drought.
