Central Arkansas faces very high wildfire danger amid warm dry forecast

Low 80s return to central Arkansas on Wednesday, October 21, as dry conditions keep wildfire danger very high. The prolonged absence of rain continues to threaten communities across the region. The area remains warmer than earlier in the week.

Skies will be mostly sunny to partly sunny on Wednesday. A calm northeasterly wind will blow across the region.

Dry air stays at the surface. An upper-level disturbance is moving through the area. Some virga is likely again today. Virga is precipitation that dissipates before reaching the ground. The same disturbance produced virga on both Monday and Tuesday.

Temperatures will remain above normal through the week. Morning hours will feel chilly to crisp. Afternoons will turn warm in central Arkansas.

The extended outlook shows no rain. Slow and steady rainfall would help alleviate the drought. That drought has now lasted for over a year in Arkansas. The current outlook provides no such relief.

Wildfire danger categories assess vegetation dryness and local weather conditions to help firefighters gauge fire behavior. These ratings guide residents on outdoor burning safety measures.

Wildfire danger remains very high across central Arkansas. Residents should continue to practice wildfire safety. The public can download the free Arkansas Storm Team app for more information.