FIRST ALERT: Parts of the ArkLaTex under an Extreme Drought

ARKLATEX (KSLA) - With the heat and dry conditions persisting, drought conditions have worsened across the ArkLaTex.

The I-20 corridor from the LA-TX state line and points east are now under an Extreme Drought. This is where drought conditions are the worst across the area. Most of the ArkLaTex is under either a Moderate or Severe Drought. Parts of deep E TX and the southern tip of NW LA are only under a Slight Drought.

The drought conditions have to lead to burn bans and more burn bans will likely be issued over the next couple of days.

Current Burn Bans:

NW LA: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, De Soto, Jackson, Natchitoches, Red River and Webster parishes

E TX: Camp, Franklin, Harrison, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Shelby and Upshur counties

SW AR: Columbia, Hempstead, Lafayette, Miller and Nevada counties.

With drought conditions worsening and more burn bans being issued, we could use some rain. Luckily, our rain chances continue to increase. Even though most will stay dry, there be at least a slight chance of showers and storms in the afternoon through the upcoming weekend.

A weak cold front will stall out across the northern half of the ArkLaTex Thursday night and will linger across the area through Friday night. With this front in the area, a few showers and storms will be possible on Friday. Places along and north of I-20 will have the best chance of rain on Friday. Most of the rain activity that develops Friday afternoon will be gone by Friday night.

Overall, the upcoming weekend will be hot and humid. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the mid to upper 90s. A few places will flirt with 100 degrees. With all the heat and humidity around, a few afternoon showers and storms will possible. If you have outdoor plans, keep an eye on the sky, but many will not be washed out. A few could also have to deal with the dangerous heat. Heat indices could hit 105 degrees in a few spots.

Many will not see rain until Monday. On Monday, we are still expecting a cold front to drop south across the ArkLaTex. Rain and a few storms will develop from north to south across the area Monday into Monday night. Most of the rain will wrap up Tuesday morning.

Even though this front is going to bring in some much-needed rain, it's not going to bust the drought. Rainfall totals Friday through next Tuesday will likely range from 0.5"-1.0" of rain. Some places could see a little more and the other could see a little less.

Keep in mind, most of the rain will fall Monday through Tuesday.

The KSLA First Alert Weather Team will continue to be your First Alert.

Here are a few ways you can stay up to date with the latest forecast:

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