Hotter-than-a-firecracker weather expected for Fourth of July weekend in Fort Smith
Heat index above 100 degrees Monday
Temperatures will be near 100 degrees on the Fourth of July in Fort Smith, and plenty of drinking water may be needed for the muggy conditions.
Events are planned near the Arkansas River, and temperatures will be hotter on pavement and sidewalks in the downtown district.
Firework displays are planned across the River Valley during the holiday weekend.
More:Must-see River Valley and NW Arkansas firework shows
Monday, Independence Day, will be sunny with a high near 98 degrees, the National Weather Service reports. There will be a southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
On Friday, the high temperate was 96 with a heat index of 102 in Fort Smith, the weather service reports.
The high temperatures will be in the mid-90s Saturday and Sunday in Fort Smith. There is a 20% chance for showers Saturday and a 30% chance Sunday, the weather service reports.
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People who work or play outdoors are urged to drink plenty of water and cool down in shade.