Weather Blog: Memorial Day weekend weather forecast
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The extended holiday weekend is finally here and many of you might have outdoor plans to get out and enjoy the start of the summer season.
Here’s a breakdown of the weather forecast and what you can expect the next few days.
This Afternoon/Evening:
A cold front is moving into the Northwest Arkansas/River Valley area this early evening bringing the potential for more thunderstorms across the area and some storms could become severe.
The current severe weather risk is greatest (Enhanced Risk or 3 out of 5) in eastern Oklahoma including parts of Le Flore and Sequoyah counties. The rest of the area which, also includes Northwest Arkansas, is under a Slight Risk (2 out of 5), so the coverage of severe storms is expected to be less but still possible in this area.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 PM for the area.
IF storms develop this evening, they will bring the potential for large hail (some hailstones over 2″), damaging winds and even a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
The big question that remains in the forecast for tonight is whether storms will remain capped. The time window for storms is expected to be from 5 PM until 11 PM tonight.
Saturday:
The storms will be long gone by the time we start our Saturday morning with lows in the mid to upper 60s, so the weather to start the weekend is looking great for the outdoors. Expect muggy highs to be in the mid to upper 80s with plenty of sunshine to lay out by the pool or swim in the lake.
By Saturday afternoon, a south wind will start to become a little breezy in response to our next weather system moving into the area. The rest of Saturday afternoon and even the evening is looking great, but it could be the calm before the storm. As we get deeper in the evening, we’ll be watching a STRONG weather system to our west that will likely be producing significant severe weather in parts of Oklahoma and Kansas.
Those storms out west will have the potential to move into our area late Saturday night around midnight into the very EARLY morning hours Sunday. There’s a chance the storms will miss us completely to the northwest or weaken as they move across the Oklahoma/Arkansas Stateline, but they’ll still need to be watched closely. The ingredients in the atmosphere will lead to more severe weather potential, but a STRONG cap could remain in place preventing storm development. If you are planning to camp overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, make sure you remain weather-aware and download our Weather Authority app for the latest forecast.
Sunday:
Sunday’s weather could be a little stormy in the EARLY morning hours after midnight and before sunrise, but the rain moves out by the late morning with warm highs in the mid-80s to around 90. The wind will likely be a lot stronger on Sunday behind that big weather system, which could make the local lakes and rivers a little choppy for boating/floating. Thankfully, the storm chances finally look to come to an end for the next two days. Camping overnight Sunday will be perfect with lows dropping down into the lower to mid-60s.
Memorial Day:
Our holiday weather is looking amazing and likely the BEST day out of the entire extended forecast. This will be the time to schedule your floating/boating/biking trips with expected light winds, lower humidity and abundant sunshine. You couldn’t ask for better Memorial Day weather, so enjoy our beautiful Natural State and remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms in this country. Have a great and safe weekend.
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