Bearden is a small city located in Ouachita County, Arkansas, United States. Nestled in the southern part of the state, Bearden is situated approximately 80 miles south of Little Rock, the state capital, and 50 miles northeast of the Louisiana border. The city covers an area of about 3.0 square miles and has a population of around 900 residents, according to the latest census data. Bearden is known for its tight-knit community, rich history, and a peaceful rural atmosphere.
Geographically, Bearden is part of the West Gulf Coastal Plain, characterized by gently rolling terrain, fertile soils, and extensive pine and hardwood forests. The town’s location offers a serene setting with a natural environment that is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting.
While Bearden does not host large corporations or major universities, it is home to several local businesses that contribute to its economy. One of the prominent establishments in the area is the Bearden Lumber Company, which plays a significant role in the local timber industry. The city’s major landmarks include historical sites such as the Bearden Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s rich heritage, and nearby recreational areas like the White Oak Lake State Park, known for its beautiful lake and outdoor activities.
Climate and Weather Overview
Bearden experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. This type of climate is typical for the southern United States, with significant seasonal variations in temperature and weather patterns. The town receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with precipitation distributed fairly evenly.
Average Monthly Climate Data
Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (in) | Average Sunny Days |
---|---|---|---|
January | 42.0 | 4.8 | 10 |
February | 46.0 | 4.5 | 10 |
March | 54.0 | 5.3 | 12 |
April | 63.0 | 4.6 | 13 |
May | 71.0 | 4.8 | 14 |
June | 78.0 | 4.0 | 15 |
July | 82.0 | 3.7 | 16 |
August | 81.0 | 3.2 | 16 |
September | 75.0 | 3.6 | 14 |
October | 64.0 | 4.3 | 12 |
November | 53.0 | 4.8 | 10 |
December | 44.0 | 4.9 | 9 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Bearden is characterized by mild to cool temperatures, with average lows around 32°F and highs reaching about 52°F. Precipitation averages around 4.8 inches, mostly in the form of rain.
Natural Disasters
Bearden occasionally experiences winter storms in January, which can lead to freezing rain and icy conditions, causing travel disruptions and power outages.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, enjoying community events at the town hall, and indoor sports at the community center are popular.
Outside Activities: Outdoor enthusiasts often engage in activities like hiking and bird watching in nearby parks.
February
February remains mild with similar temperature patterns to January. Average lows are around 34°F, and highs reach about 56°F. Precipitation is slightly lower, averaging 4.5 inches.
Natural Disasters
Severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes can pose a threat during this month.
Activities
Inside Activities: Cultural events, workshops at local community centers, and library programs offer indoor entertainment.
Outside Activities: Outdoor activities include early spring hiking and visiting local parks and nature reserves.
March
March marks the beginning of spring with temperatures starting to warm up. Average lows are around 41°F, and highs reach about 67°F. Precipitation increases to about 5.3 inches, primarily as rain.
Natural Disasters
Flooding can occur due to heavy spring rains, although it is not a common occurrence.
Activities
Inside Activities: Spring crafts, indoor markets, and educational events become popular as residents anticipate the warmer weather.
Outside Activities: Early spring hiking, bird watching, and participating in local festivals are enjoyable as the flora begins to bloom.
April
April sees a more noticeable increase in temperatures, with lows around 48°F and highs averaging 75°F. Rainfall is common, with an average precipitation of 4.6 inches.
Natural Disasters
Severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, can occur during this month.
Activities
Inside Activities: Art exhibits, cultural presentations, and indoor sports continue to draw crowds.
Outside Activities: Gardening, fishing, and visiting local parks are popular as the weather becomes more favorable.
May
May brings significantly warmer temperatures with lows around 56°F and highs reaching 82°F. Precipitation averages 4.8 inches, often in the form of showers and thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Thunderstorms are more frequent, sometimes accompanied by hail or strong winds.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor concerts, theater performances, and community events provide cultural experiences.
Outside Activities: Farmers’ markets, outdoor festivals, and picnics become common as the weather improves.
June
June is the start of summer with temperatures ranging from lows of 64°F to highs of 90°F. It is one of the drier months, with an average precipitation of 4.0 inches.
Natural Disasters
Severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes are possible, particularly in the first half of the month.
Activities
Inside Activities: Educational programs, community events, and local festivals attract locals and visitors.
Outside Activities: Hiking, biking, and fishing are popular as residents take advantage of the warm weather.
July
July is the warmest month with average lows around 69°F and highs reaching 94°F. Precipitation is lower at 3.7 inches, with frequent thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves can occur, but severe weather such as thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes are more common.
Activities
Inside Activities: Visiting air-conditioned museums and attending indoor events are favored during hot spells.
Outside Activities: Swimming, boating, and attending outdoor concerts are popular summertime activities.
August
August remains hot with temperatures ranging from lows of 68°F to highs of 93°F. Precipitation averages 3.2 inches, mostly from thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Similar to July, thunderstorms and heatwaves are the primary weather concerns.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor sports and community center events provide relief from the summer heat.
Outside Activities: Hiking, camping, and participating in local fairs and festivals are common.
September
September sees a gradual cooling with lows around 61°F and highs of 86°F. Precipitation averages 3.6 inches, mostly from fall showers.
Natural Disasters
The risk of severe weather decreases, but occasional thunderstorms can still occur.
Activities
Inside Activities: Fall arts and crafts fairs, along with cultural events, are popular.
Outside Activities: Apple picking, hiking, and enjoying the fall foliage at local parks and preserves are favored activities.
October
October brings cooler temperatures with lows around 50°F and highs reaching 75°F. Precipitation averages 4.3 inches, often in the form of light rain.
Natural Disasters
The likelihood of natural disasters is low, although early frost can impact agriculture.
Activities
Inside Activities: Halloween events and indoor fall festivals attract families.
Outside Activities: Leaf peeping, hayrides, and visiting pumpkin patches are popular outdoor activities.
November
November sees further cooling with lows around 41°F and highs averaging 64°F. Precipitation averages 4.8 inches, transitioning from rain to occasional snow by the end of the month.
Natural Disasters
Early winter storms can occur, but they are generally mild.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday craft fairs and indoor community gatherings begin to take place.
Outside Activities: Hiking and preparing for winter sports are common as residents enjoy the last of the fall weather.
December
December is characterized by cold temperatures with lows around 33°F and highs of 53°F. Precipitation averages 4.9 inches, mostly as rain with occasional snow.
Natural Disasters
Winter storms and heavy rainfall can disrupt travel and daily activities.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday events, indoor markets, and family gatherings are prevalent during the festive season.
Outside Activities: Ice skating, winter hiking, and exploring local historical sites provide outdoor entertainment.