Van Buren, AR 72956 Weather

Key Messages

Updated at 1206 PM CDT Wed Oct 21 2026

- Sprinkles/light showers remain possible across NE OK and far NW AR this afternoon in association with a passing upper wave.

- Above average highs and dry weather will be the rule through this weekend.

- Low rain chances return during the first half of next week.

Short Term

(Through tonight ) Issued at 1136 AM CDT Wed Oct 21 2026

An upper level wave was observed moving overhead this morning and was producing isolated sprinkles/light showers, mainly across NE OK and NW AR. Waning forcing and dry low level air will limit most precipitation from reaching the ground, but a mention of sprinkles was retained through the afternoon hours as the system dives east/southeast. High temps today will be slightly warmer than yesterday, but still remain in the mid 70s to lower 80s range. Quiet conditions are forecast overnight with lows in the upper 40s to mid 50s.

Long Term

(Tomorrow through Wednesday) Issued at 1136 AM CDT Wed Oct 21 2026

Overall, the forecast remains fairly uneventful through the remainder of the forecast period. High pressure will maintain dry conditions with slightly warmer temperatures in the upper 70s and lower 80s through this weekend. The ridge will gradually slide east as we move into next week, with southwest flow developing overhead as a trough lifts east-northeastward into the plains. Precipitation chances increase over the local area Monday into Tuesday, though rainfall amounts appear fairly light at this time. A northern stream trough will swing through the northern plains thereafter, potentially sending a cold front toward our area mid to late next week.

Afternoon winds will tend to increase Friday and this weekend (10-20 mph) which may locally increase fire weather concerns, especially northwest of I-44 where gusts up to 25 mph will be possible. Otherwise, low-impact, pleasant weather is generally expected over the next several days, with temperatures running several degrees above average.

Aviation

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1206 PM CDT Wed Oct 21 2026

Patchy light rain or sprinkles will accompany the passing mid level wave from NE OK into far NW AR with no aviation impact expected. Mid cloud ceilings will give way to clearing skies and continued VFR flight levels.