Lafayette County OEM

08/24/2026

The prolonged heat wave shows no signs of giving way as flash drought conditions continue across the entire Four State Region. As a result, much of the region is under a Burn Ban at this time. The wildfire threat will continue.

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Hot conditions continue with a Heat Advisory in effect for most of the region. Afternoon high temperatures will range from the upper 90s to near 104. Heat index values will range from 105-110 degrees. Continue to prioritize heat safety when spending time outdoors!

08/24/2026

Today: A slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Calm wind.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Calm wind.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Calm wind.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

08/19/2026

Burn Ban Counties (67)
Arkansas, Ashley, Benton, Bradley, Calhoun, Carroll, Chicot, Clark, Clay, Cleburne, Cleveland, Columbia, Conway, Craighead, Crawford, Crittenden, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Grant, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Logan, Lonoke, Madison, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Perry, Pike, Poinsett, Polk, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sevier, Sharp, Stone, Union, Van Buren, Washington, White, Woodruff, Yell
High Risk Counties (25)
Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Cleveland, Columbia, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Garland, Grant, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lincoln, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Perry, Pulaski, Saline, Union
Moderate Risk Counties (50)
Arkansas, Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Cleburne, Conway, Craighead, Crawford, Crittenden, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Howard, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Lee, Little River, Logan, Lonoke, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, Newton, Phillips, Pike, Poinsett, Polk, Pope, Prairie, Randolph, Saint Francis, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sevier, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, Washington, White, Woodruff, Yell
Risk Level Definitions
Risk levels are determined by fuel conditions, drought status, and long-term weather forecasts. They are categorized by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain. The risk level definitions are:

Low: Fuels do not ignite easily. Weather conditions will lead to slow spread and relatively easy to control fires.
Moderate: Fire can start from accidental causes. May not become serious, but caution should be taken.
High: Fires ignite easily and spread quickly. Unattended brush fires and campfires are likely to escape. Fires may become serious if not attacked early.
Extreme: Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. Every fire started has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior.

08/19/2026

Another day of triple digit temperatures as most all areas should see afternoon highs ranging from near 100 to near 106 degrees. Afternoon maximum heat indices will climb to near 105 to 109 degrees as well. Use precautions if outdoor activities are planned.

08/19/2026

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 109. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Calm wind.

Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Calm wind.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 77

08/19/2026

The Heat Wave shows no signs of giving way as flash drought conditions continue across the entire Four State Region. As a result, much of the region is under a Burn Ban at this time. The wildfire threat will continue.

08/19/2026

...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 110 degrees.

* WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Arkansas, north
central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and east and
northeast Texas.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

08/17/2026

There are indications that we may break this triple digit heat and introduce small rain chances for at least portions of the Four State Region by late week and into the upcoming weekend. Until then, high wildfire danger will continue.