Drought Information Statement for Arkansas
Valid Aug 27, 2026
Issued By: National Weather Service-WFO Little Rock, AR
Contact Information: nws.littlerock@noaa.gov
This product will be updated Sep 21, 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.
Nearly 85% of Arkansas is in drought conditions.
Nearly 47% of the state is in severe drought or greater (D2 or greater).
Recent changes has reflected characteristics of flash drought. 


U.S. Drought Monitor
Drought intensity and extent:

D4 (Exceptional Drought): Portions of southeast Arkansas.

D3 (Extreme Drought): Widely scattered areas of the state. 

D2 (Severe Drought): Scattered areas of the state.

D1 (Moderate Drought): Many areas of the state not classified as a higher category.

D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of north central and east central Arkansas.


Recent Change in Drought Intensity

One Week Drought Monitor Class Change.

Drought condition degradations were noted across northern and southwest sections of the state. 

Precipitation
Most areas of the state were below normal with precipitation during the past 30 days. 


Temperature
Temperatures were above normal during the past 7 days. 

Summary of Impacts

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
Much below normal to low streamflow conditions were noted across a number of rivers across the state.  


Fire Hazard Impacts
Fire danger conditions have increased across the state. 


Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
The seven day precipitation forecast calls for generally less than one tenth of an inch of rainfall.


Long-Range Outlooks

Above normal temperatures, are forecast for September. Above normal precipitation is forecast for mainly northern portions of the state.  


Drought Outlook

Through late November, most areas of the state are expected to experience drought conditions.