LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The remnants of Hurricane Helene and an upper-level storm system could bring several inches of rain to parts of Arkansas just in time for the weekend.
An unsettled weather pattern will be shaping up over Arkansas in the coming days as an upper-level low-pressure area sits over the state with intervals of clouds, a few rain showers, and cooler temperatures.
How strong is Helene currently?
Helene roared ashore as a Category 4 hurricane around 10:10 p.m. near the mouth of the Aucilla River in the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It had maximum sustained winds estimated at 140 mph.
By Thursday night into Friday, moisture from Helene will be transported into the parent upper-low situated in the vicinity of Arkansas.
What impact will Helene have on Arkansas?
This will increase rain chances over Arkansas later in the week. The track of Helene and the upper-low will determine who gets the most rain. Right now, the highest totals are expected to occur over the eastern part of the state.
Friday appears to be a breezy day with periods of rain. The precipitation is expected to taper off Friday night, with cloudy skies on Saturday.
How Helene could impact Friday night football in Arkansas
Gusty winds are possible in time for kick-off around the state Friday night.
What should I expect for the rest of the week?
An unsettled weather pattern will be shaping up over Arkansas in the coming days as an upper-level low-pressure area sits over the state with intervals of clouds, a few rain showers possible, and cooler temperatures.
By Friday, the remnants of what Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico will be absorbed into the parent upper-low. This will provide a better chance of widespread rain over a good portion of the state.
What rain chances are expected?
Right now, we’ll keep rain chances in the scattered category but may be increasing as we get closer to the weekend. Forecast models keep the upper-level low cut-off from the jet stream over or near Arkansas through the weekend.
If that occurs, clouds and rain chances will remain in place.
Currently, Wednesday and Thursday have the best chance of some sunshine with lower rain chances and highs in the upper-70s and low-80s.
Forecast models keep the upper-level low cut-off from the jet stream over or near Arkansas through the weekend. If that occurs, clouds and rain chances will remain in place.