Little Rock, Ar. hits third highest temperature ever recorded: 111 F (44 C)

July 31, 2012 – LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock has reached its third-highest temperature ever recorded, hitting 111 at mid-afternoon. Throughout the state Monday, temperatures exceeded 100, and low humidity increased the threat for wildfires. Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits at least through the middle of the week. The 111-degree mark reached Monday at Little Rock broke the previous record for the day of 108, set in 1986. Last Aug. 3, Little Rock reached 114, the city’s hottest day in 132 years of records. On July 31, 1986, the temperature at Little Rock hit 112. Forecasters warned that wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly on winds expected to be 15 mph to 25 mph. Outdoor burning of any type is strongly discouraged. Arkansas’ all-time high is 120 degrees, set Aug. 10, 1936, in Ozark. –The Republic