Arkansas weather: Dangerous temperatures ahead in Fort Smith
Dangerous heat continues to grip the River Valley, with temperatures rising this week.
An excessive heat warning will take effect at noon on Tuesday and last until 8 p.m. when the high in Fort Smith will hit 106, the National Weather Service reports.
More: Drought hitting farmers hard in Arkansas
A heat advisory was issued for Monday afternoon with temperatures climbing to 102 degrees.
Thunderstorms in Franklin and Logan counties late Sunday caused power outages. There were about 30 outages in Franklin County and 11 outin Logan County. Power was expected to be restored Monday afternoon, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. reported.
A burn ban is in effect in Sebastian County and most of Arkansas.
The homeless are struggling in the heatwave, said Sharon Chapman, executive director of the Fort Smith day shelter Next Step downtown.
"They're suffering a lot from the extreme heat," Chapman said Monday as temperatures started to rise before noon. "We're concerned for their general health."
There had been an uptick in people showing up at the day shelter before the heatwave, she said.
Staff members were watching people for signs of heatstroke. Extra water bottles were passed out.
She said she had not heard of any heat-related deaths in recent days. Police are investigating the death of a woman found near N. 17 and Rogers Avenue about 8 a.m. Thursday, July 14.
"We're focusing on providing a cool place with air-conditioning and a place for people to get out of the heat and sun," Chapman said.
Another Fort Smith homeless shelter is Hope Campus, 301 S. E Street, and the Salvation Army, 301 N. 6th
Tuesday and Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high temperature of 106 degrees. The heat index will make temperatures feel like 111 degrees, the weather service reports.
Thursday the high temperature will be 102 degrees, Friday, 103.
Morning showers & storms will wrap up by mid day today, then hot conditions return. Highs should top out in the lower 90s to around 103. Heat index values of 105 to 110 are expected over central & southern Arkansas. Therefore, heat advisories are posted central and south. #arwx pic.twitter.com/FL78AQAraz
— NWS Little Rock (@NWSLittleRock) July 18, 2022
The River Valley has not had significant rainfall in more than a month.
Abnormally dry, drought-like conditions are expected to continue through the week.
Saturday and Sunday will be sunny, hot with highs of 104 degrees.
People are encouraged to work outside during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. When working outdoors, drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
The number of heat-related calls has increased in recent weeks for Fort Smith Emergency Medical Services, a spokesman said.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas weather: Dangerous temperatures rising in Fort Smith
