Drought Information Statement for Arkansas
Valid April 17, 2026
Issued By: National Weather Service-WFO Little Rock, AR
Contact Information: nws.littlerock@noaa.gov
This product will be updated May 5th, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  
Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.
Please visit https://www.weather.gov/LZK/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 
Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates.
All of Arkansas continues to experience drought conditions. 
Over 92% of the state is in severe drought or greater (D2 or greater).
Portions of central, north central, and northeast Arkansas are in exceptional drought (D4) conditions. 
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U.S. Drought Monitor
Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Arkansas


Drought intensity and extent:

D4 (Exceptional Drought): Portions of central, north central, and northeast Arkansas.
D3 (Extreme Drought): Portions of north, northeast, north central, central, southern  southeast Arkansas.
D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of western, northwest, eastern and southern Arkansas.
D1 (Moderate Drought): Small portions of eastern and southwest Arkansas.
D0: (Abnormally Dry): None.
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Recent Change in Drought Intensity
Link to the latest 4-week change map for Arkansas
One Week Drought Monitor Class Change.

Most areas of the state did not experience drought classification changes during the past week. 



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Precipitation
Below normal precipitation was noted across Arkansas during the last 30 days. 


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Temperature
Significantly warmer than normal temperature prevailed across the state of Arkanas during the past month. 

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Summary of Impacts
Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter
Fire Hazard Impacts

Recent dry conditions have promoted enhanced fire danger conditions across Arkansas. 
Arkansas Wildfire Danger and Burn Bans


Agricultural and Wildlife Impacts
Recent dry conditions have led to significant impacts to livestock and agriculture.
Recent Agriculture and Livestock Impacts


Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts
Summarize conditions/impacts here

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Agricultural Impacts
Summarize conditions/impacts here
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Fire Hazard Impacts
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Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center.
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Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
The 7 day precipitation forecast includes some rain across most of the state.

Portions of northern Arkansas are expected to receive the most rain. 
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Rapid Onset Drought Outlook
Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook.
Summarize conditions and impacts here

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Long-Range Outlooks
The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage
Summarize conditions/impacts here

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Drought Outlook
The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage
Drought conditions are expected to improve or end over the next 3-month period. 
Links to the latest:
Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook 
Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook 
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