LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — After several nice days this week, strong to severe thunderstorms return to Arkansas later Saturday as a cold front sweeps through the state. A level 3 out of 5 risk, or an "enhanced" risk of severe weather is in place for most of Arkansas.
Saturday begins with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of isolated showers. Those showers will pass and most of the day will be dry with temperatures reaching the low 80s with more humidity.
Stay weather aware by 4 or 5 p.m. as the first storms will develop in Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas. These storms will strengthen rapidly and become strong to severe. A few storms will be capable of producing golf to baseball size hail, which may damage roofs and vehicles.
By early evening these storms are expected to form into a squall line. As this occurs the primary threat will transition from large hail to damaging winds, with some hail still possible.
Additionally, whether severe or not, these storms will likely produce frequent lightning and thunder, heavy downpours, and gusty winds. If you intend to be outdoors it’s recommended to have multiple ways to receive warnings and weather information. Conditions will likely change quickly as these storms develop and race through the state.
While a tornado can’t be ruled out, the potential remains low given a lack of wind shear.
Given the fast movement of these storms, flooding isn’t expected.
Conditions will likely warrant a thunderstorm or tornado watch by Saturday afternoon. This simply means conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms.
The line of storms will exit the state before midnight. Skies will clear out overnight with mostly sunny skies and cooler temperatures for Sunday.
If you would like to report or send a picture of your weather conditions you can text 501 376-1111, but please make sure it is safe. For hail pictures place a common object next to the hailstone or use a ruler when possible.
