Air Quality
Arkansas meets federal air-quality standards statewide, with ozone the main summer concern.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Arkansas counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
Wildfires
Arkansas sees about 2,000 wildfires per year, mostly in forested areas.
Drought
Roughly 10-15% of Arkansas experiences drought conditions in a typical year.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Water Usage
Rice and soybean irrigation in eastern Arkansas makes the state one of the largest agricultural water users in the country.
- •Arkansas grows about half of all U.S. rice.
Emissions
Arkansas emits about 85 million metric tons of CO2 annually.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOARA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOARA).
| Indicator | Arkansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 emissions per capita (t) | 7.4 | 14.7 |
Climate Indicators
Arkansas faces more extreme heat, heavier rainfall and severe storms including frequent tornadoes.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.