Buckle up for rain and cold and maybe snow in the next several days. If you took the covers off your outdoor faucets, you’ll need to put them back on to protect them from sub-freezing temps. We also have a threat of strong to severe thunderstorms coming. Learn how to protect your 4 P’s – People, Pets, Pipes & Plants – by visiting www.mysaline.com/4p.
See 7-day extended forecast below.
Scattered strong to possibly severe storms are possible on Saturday. At this time, the main focus will be across southeast Arkansas during the afternoon and evening hours. Main threats appear to be damaging winds and a few tornadoes.
Several forecast models show colder air building toward Arkansas, and mixed precipitation in or near the state. While there are signs something might happen around February 18-19, the Weather Service says what will happen is unclear, so watch for updates.
Rainfall totals between Wednesday and Sunday will amount to values that will be highest across the southeastern two-thirds of the state. Flash flooding and river flooding will be possible, especially across central and eastern Arkansas where 2 to 4+ inches of rainfall is forecast yet to fall through Sunday.
After the rain and drizzle moves out of the area Wednesday afternoon/early evening, much colder air will move into the state late Wednesday night. Wind chills will drop down into the single digits and teens for western into northern/northwestern sections of the area. Some areas in the higher terrain of the Ozarks may see wind chills approach 0 by sunrise Thursday.
After some cold wind chills on Thursday morning, the threat for hazardous weather looks to remain low into Friday. Some strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible on Saturday, mainly across the southeast portion of the state.
Some areas of heavy rainfall may also be seen on Saturday, which may lead to flash flooding and/or additional river flooding. Much colder air will move into the state Saturday night as this strong storm system moves out of the region.
There may be enough moisture to see some light wintry weather across portions of the area Saturday night. Another storm system could bring more wintry weather to the forecast by Tuesday, but many uncertainties remain this far out in time to discuss any details.
Scroll down for the 7-day extended forecast, according to the National Weather Service.
7-DAY EXTENDED FORECAST
