885 FXUS63 KUNR 262012 AFDUNRArea Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY National Weather Service Rapid City SD 212 PM MDT Fri Sep 26 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Dry conditions and above normal temperatures continue through much of next week.
- Elevated fire weather conditions at times.
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.DISCUSSION...(This Evening Through Friday) Issued at 156 PM MDT Fri Sep 26 2025
Upper air models show ridge just to the east of the FA this afternoon, and a bit flattened out as upper wave treks across Saskatchewan. Surface analysis shows the frontal boundary running from north central SD down through southwestern SD, having moved through 2/3rds of the forecast area this afternoon. Temperatures currently sit in the upper 70s to upper 80s. Winds behind the front are out of the northwest with gusts 35 to 45 mph and breezy south to southwesterly winds for those areas still ahead of the front.
Post frontal winds will taper off this evening into the overnight hours. Temperatures on Saturday will be slightly cooler, though still above normal with highs in the mid 70s to low 80s. Upper ridge builds back over the northern plains over the weekend though, resulting in warming temperatures and continuing dry conditions. Highs on Sunday my reach near record for this time of year, with some areas potentially hitting low 90s. Closer to middle of next week we start to see a pattern change, as upper ridge shifts eastward and upper trough digs into the western CONUS, setting up southwestern flow aloft. Models do show a weak wave in the Tues/Weds timeframe. Limited moisture though will minimize any precipitation chances. can expect dry conditions to continue. Towards the end of next week though multiple waves move through as the upper trough shifts eastward, leading towards potentially cooler temperatures (near normal) and increasing precipitation chances.
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.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS Through 18Z Saturday) Issued At 1117 AM MDT Fri Sep 26 2025
Expect VFR conditions through the TAF period. A dry cool front is currently moving through the area. Northwest winds will gust to 25-35kts behind the front. Winds will quickly subside this evening.
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.FIRE WEATHER... Issued At 156 PM MDT Fri Sep 26 2025
A dry cool front has moved through the forecast area today, bringing gusty northwesterly winds (15-25g30-40mph) behind it. Minimum relative humidities will drop into the upper teens to upper 20s for most places leading to elevated fire weather conditions.
Elevated fire danger will continue over the weekend into next week as sustained dry and unseasonably warm weather continues. Gusty southerly winds will develop in the afternoon Saturday through Monday. MinRH in the low to mid 20s will not be uncommon through early next week.
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.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. WY...None. &&
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DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...Dye AVIATION...Bunker FIRE WEATHER...Dye
NWS UNR Office Area Forecast Discussion