2:55 P.M. UPDATE:
A flash flood watch has been issued for much of Arkansas, according to the National Weather Service.
The watch, in effect Tuesday evening through Thursday, means periods of heavy rainfall could result in flash and river flooding, the agency's North Little Rock office said.
It encompasses northern, central, eastern and southwest Arkansas.
Forecasters say as much as 6 inches of rain, with heavier amounts in certain areas, will fall through this weekend across the state.
EARLIER STORY:
Several inches of rain is expected to fall in Arkansas this week, bringing the potential for flash flooding in certain areas, meteorologists said.
Some showers will be possible Monday though widespread rain is expected to develop Tuesday in the state’s northwest, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rainfall is forecast to then shift into central and eastern Arkansas by Thursday, and precipitation will linger through late Saturday before the system leaves Arkansas.
As much as six inches of rainfall is expected this week, North Little Rock meteorologist Joe Goudsward said. Some portions of the state could see even higher amounts.
“While we are certain of widespread rain this week, there remains some questions on where the axis of heavy rain will set up and the exact totals,” Goudsward said. “Regardless, a good soaking is in store for the state.”
Goudsward said precipitation will be “persistent” and heavy at times because of “copious amounts of Gulf moisture.”
With the forecast, meteorologists advise that flash flooding and river flooding are of potential concern. Forecasters say rivers like the Black, Cache, Ouachita and White would be affected.
“It is important to prepare now, and have a plan in place if faced with high water,” the weather service said, noting that a drought has been ongoing in parts of Arkansas for several months.
As of Monday, the northwest half of Arkansas was in moderate to extreme drought conditions.
In Fayetteville, 60-day rain totals from Dec. 17 through Feb. 14 were about 2 inches below normal. Arkansas’ capital city, meanwhile, was more than 3 inches above its average rainfall total during that period.