Historically unprecedented warming is projected during this century. Observed temperatures are generally within the envelope of model simulations of the historical period (gray shading). Shading indicates the range of annual temperatures from the set of models. Temperatures in Arkansas (orange line) have risen by 0.5☏ since the beginning of the 20th century, less than a third of the warming for the contiguous United States, but the warmest consecutive 5-year interval was 2015–2019. Projected changes for 2006–2100 are from global climate models for two possible futures: one in which greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase (higher emissions) and another in which greenhouse gas emissions increase at a slower rate (lower emissions). Since comprehensive record keeping began in 1895, the driest year was 1963, with a statewide average of 32.8 inches of precipitation, and the wettest was 2009, with 72.2 inches.įigure 1: Observed and projected changes (compared to the 1901–1960 average) in near-surface air temperature for Arkansas. Winter and spring are the wettest seasons.
Heavy rains can produce totals in excess of 10 inches. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year. Extreme temperatures range from a record high of 120☏ at Ozark (August 10, 1936) to a record low of −29☏ at Gravette (February 13, 1905). January average low temperatures range from 23° to 26☏ in the northwestern part of the state to 27° to 32☏ in the northeast and 30° to 35☏ in the southwest. Thus, temperatures are generally cooler in this area for example, the July average (1991–2020 normals) high temperature at Deer (elevation: 2,375 feet) in the northwest is 83☏, while it is 91☏ at Jonesboro (elevation: 260 feet) in the northeast.
Northern and western Arkansas includes the Ozark Mountains and is generally higher in elevation, particularly in the Boston Mountains portion of the range, where some peaks exceed 2,500 feet. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are typically short and cool with occasional episodes of cold arctic air. The state is close but not adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a climate with moderately large variations in temperature and abundant precipitation. Arkansas is located in the interior southern United States.
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