Strong Cold Front on the Way: Storms Today, Big Cooldown by Friday

We're tracking rain and storms across Arkansas this morning as a strong cold front gets ready to push through the state. Here's what you need to know.

This Morning

Storms are showing up on radar mainly across western and northwest Arkansas right now. Places like Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bella Vista, and Bentonville are seeing the action, with more rain moving in from Oklahoma and spreading east-northeast. If you're anywhere else in the state, rain chances are much lower today. It's a feast or famine kind of setup.

There is a low-end severe weather risk across northwest Arkansas today. The main concerns are hail and gusty winds. The tornado risk is extremely low, but keep an eye on the sky if you're up that way. Scattered activity could stick around through this evening and into the overnight hours.

Thursday

Don't expect much rain on Thursday. The best chances stay confined to western and northwest Arkansas, and most of the state stays dry through Thursday night. A few lingering showers are possible Friday morning, then we clear out completely.

The Big Cooldown

Here's the headline: a strong cold front moves through Thursday night, and it means business.

By Friday morning, most of Arkansas drops into the 50s and 60s. Southeast Arkansas hangs onto the warmth a little longer, but not for long. Friday afternoon highs only reach the 50s and 60s statewide. That's a serious cooldown after we were sitting near 94 to 95 degrees just a couple days ago. Fall is finally showing up.

The Weekend

Saturday morning will feel cool, so grab a light jacket if you're heading out early, especially for the alternative gun deer hunt. Saturday afternoon rebounds into the 60s. Sunday looks gorgeous with highs in the 60s to low 70s and cool, crisp mornings. Hard to beat that.

Early Next Week

We warm back up a bit early next week, but nothing like the mid-90s we just left behind. Rain chances stay low in the extended outlook.

Stay weather aware today if you're in northwest Arkansas, and enjoy the fall air moving in behind this front. Like if you're ready for the cooler weather!