Northwest Arkansas' spring precipitation between 1991 and 2020 was lower than southern parts of the state, according to data from the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Driving the news: Despite recent rains, nearly all of the northern half of the state is currently considered abnormally dry but is not in a drought.
The big picture: The climate outlook for June through August shows a broad swath of the lower 48 states and Alaska — including Arkansas — is likely to see a hotter than average summer, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes.
Why it matters: Prevailing weather conditions during the summer can lead to drought or wildfires.