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Heat advisories/extreme heat warnings in effect through Tuesday, with multiple 100 degree days possible through mid-week

In addition to daytime heat, overnight lows may struggle to fall below 80 degrees in some locations

Make sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks when outside

Discussion

To begin the period, a ridge of high pressure continues to build back over the region. Sinking air over the state will diminish any chances for rain through the middle of this week. Although, some afternoon thunderstorm chances cannot be completely ruled out.

The biggest threat will be the dangerous temperatures and heat index values. For Monday and Tuesday afternoons, it is possible many locations across the state reach 100 degrees with heat index values much hotter. Heat headlines have been issued all across the state through Tuesday afternoon with a mix of heat advisories for southern and northern locations and an extreme heat warning for eastern and central Arkansas and the AR River Valley.

An additional concern could be the lack of a recovery period overnight where we could see multiple nights where locations struggle to drop below 80 degrees. If you plan to be outdoors for any reason this weekend and next week, make sure you have shade to rest in, take multiple breaks, and drink plenty of water.

Looking beyond early this week, a reprieve from these extremely hot conditions will occur through the middle of the week, as a series of shortwaves dive southward across the Plains downstream of the ridge center. The combination of lowering mid-level heights, increased cloud cover and rain chances as early as Wednesday will result in cooler temperatures.

Consensus heading into late week and even into this weekend indicates a slow westward movement of the ridge center, which would keep the door open for cooler temperatures and more active weather pattern during the extended forecast period.