Highs in the 70s and steady rain across much of the state seem to signal that fall is on its way to Arkansas.

Not so fast, weather forecasters say.

National Weather Service (web|news) meteorologist Joe Goudsward said Wednesday that Arkansas is just experiencing a very unusual weather pattern, and more hot weather -- even super-hot -- could be on the way.

Tuesday and Wednesday, parts of south and central Arkansas had between two and three inches of rain, with Moro Bay getting 4.5 inches. More rain is likely through Thursday, and the weather service says heavy rain is possible in places.

High temperatures will be in the lower 70s in northern Arkansas to mid 80s in the state's south.

Goudsward said temperatures closer to normal - that is, in the 90s - are expected by the weekend. And he said the state could still reach 100 degrees again before fall arrives, or at least get close.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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