FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — Drought conditions are worsening in Arkansas and Oklahoma this fall as high pressure keeps rain chances at bay. This week's drought monitor indicates worsening drought severity for Northwest Arkansas from moderate to severe. Clear, dry skies are taking over the first half of October, with no substantial rainfall in the forecast to help relieve these dry conditions.
You can find an hour-by-hour forecast for your location by tapping here.
Why are we in a drought?
Over the past few weeks, an area of high pressure has been positioning itself over or near Arkansas and Oklahoma and keeping skies mostly clear. These high-pressure systems have been keeping rain accumulation below average across Northwest Arkansas and portions of the River Valley.
The last notable rainfall in Northwest Arkansas happened September 24th with limited coverage. We saw a bit more rain in the River Valley last month which is one of the main reasons why drought conditions are not nearly as severe in our southern counties.
For more in-depth information on rainfall totals click here.
What does this mean for us?
Drought conditions can lead to a variety of impacts on a community. Northwest Arkansas is likely to see both short-term and long-term effects as a result of the severe drought.
Short-term effects are already starting to show up across the area in the form of dying grass and vegetation, an increased risk of fire weather, and burn bans. Burn bans become especially prevalent when you have a drought, low humidity, and increased wind speeds. Currently, burn bans are in effect for Carroll, Madison, Johnson, Franklin, Crawford, and Logan counties. As far as fall foliage goes, dry, stressed trees are more likely to lose leaves before the colors reach their peak which means we may start losing leaves a bit sooner this season.
Long-term effects have a delayed impact on the area. For Northwest Arkansas, long-term impacts are likely to include decreased water supply that could lead to restrictions, low water levels in rivers, lakes, and creeks that could impact our ability to transport goods, and effects to agriculture, cattle, and poultry. Although these impacts are not showing up yet, their risk increases as severe drought conditions continue.
When will it be over?
Unfortunately, we are not expecting relief from our dry conditions anytime soon. Future rainfall models are indicating a continued lack of rain until at least mid-October. The Climate Prediction Center seems to agree, placing Arkansas and Oklahoma in the abnormally dry category through the next 14 days.
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