Much of the state is under a red flag warning because of "major concern" for wildfires Thursday, the National Weather Service said.
The combination of gusty winds, low humidity and rising temperatures "will create explosive fire growth potential," the weather service said, warning that any fires that do start will spread "rapidly."
"Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged," the agency added.
More than 50 of Arkansas' 75 counties have burn bans in effect, and the Forestry Commission has placed the entire state under a high risk for wildfires, the second-highest classification.
The commission said January has already been a busy month for crews battling wildfires, with more than 230 blazes extinguished.