100-degree Heat Grips Arkansas into the Weekend
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: June 28, 2012
Update (Thursday 7:30 a.m.):
Afternoon temperatures are forecast to rise into the triple-digits today through Saturday across Arkansas.
They could range anywhere from 100 to 105, or even higher.
The higher-than-normal temperatures this afternoon combined with very low humidity levels will increase the concern for wildfires across Arkansas. given existing drought conditions and dry vegetation.
There is a high fire danger statewide. Any fire that starts could spread rapidly and quickly get out of control.
Original story (Monday, 8:45 a.m.):
The week is forecast to be hotter than usual for June in Arkansas.
Temperatures are expected to reach 100 in parts of the state today and later in the week as well.
KARK 4 Meteorologist Darby Bybee explains that the heat is rising from two factors. One of them is that the jet stream is farther north than normal and Hurricane Debby is whirling in the Gulf of Mexico.
While hurricanes in the Gulf often mean rain for Arkansas, that's not the case for Debby, which is set to make landfall in a pattern that will not affect the Natural State.
When the mercury rises like this, the usual heat safety reminders come out again:
That means burn bans are in place in dozens of counties (click here for latest map).
Afternoon temperatures are forecast to rise into the triple-digits today through Saturday across Arkansas.
They could range anywhere from 100 to 105, or even higher.
The higher-than-normal temperatures this afternoon combined with very low humidity levels will increase the concern for wildfires across Arkansas. given existing drought conditions and dry vegetation.
There is a high fire danger statewide. Any fire that starts could spread rapidly and quickly get out of control.
Original story (Monday, 8:45 a.m.):
The week is forecast to be hotter than usual for June in Arkansas.
Temperatures are expected to reach 100 in parts of the state today and later in the week as well.
KARK 4 Meteorologist Darby Bybee explains that the heat is rising from two factors. One of them is that the jet stream is farther north than normal and Hurricane Debby is whirling in the Gulf of Mexico.
While hurricanes in the Gulf often mean rain for Arkansas, that's not the case for Debby, which is set to make landfall in a pattern that will not affect the Natural State.
When the mercury rises like this, the usual heat safety reminders come out again:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in an air-conditioned room if possible
- Stay out of the sun
- Check up on relatives and neighbors, especially those without air conditioning
- Never leave any person or pet in a closed, parked vehicle (temperatures inside can reach over 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death)
- Ensure pets have adequate water and, if outdoors, a shady place to rest
That means burn bans are in place in dozens of counties (click here for latest map).
