189 FXUS63 KUNR 202036 AFDUNRArea Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY National Weather Service Rapid City SD 236 PM MDT Sat Sep 20 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Fog develops over the western South Dakota Plains late tonight/early Sunday morning.
- Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, rain showers with isolated thunderstorms.
- Dry the remainder of the week.
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.DISCUSSION...(This Evening Through Saturday) Issued at 232 PM MDT Sat Sep 20 2025
Upper level analysis has the forecast area in northwest flow as a negatively tilted trough remains over the Northern Plains/Upper Midwest and ridge over the Rockies. At the surface, high pressure is in place over the Dakotas with a surface low over the Red River Valley and another surface low over southeastern Wyoming.
For tonight, the surface low over southeastern Wyoming will shift into south-central South Dakota. Low-level moisture will increase with light winds allowing for some fog to develop over the western South Dakota Plains.
The fog will burn off during the morning, with mainly clear skies for the afternoon. Overall, temperatures will remain warm with readings about 10F above average.
An upper trough will quickly push through the northern Rockies and into the region Monday. Models close off the low over Wyoming on Monday and drop it southward into Colorado Tuesday. Ahead of the supporting low, a cold front moves through the forecast area on Monday, resulting in breezy northwest winds and more seasonable temperatures. Chances for showers and isolated thunderstorms will accompany the frontal passage on Monday, with some precipitation wrapping around the low Monday night and Tuesday. The highest probability of precipitation will be across southern and western areas, closer to the low with limited precipitation chances across northwestern South Dakota.
Expect precipitation chances to end from north to south on Tuesday, as the main upper low drops into the southern plains. Temperatures will remain cool, but will be close to seasonal averages.
For the rest of the week, expect temperatures to gradually warm with dry conditions, as high pressure gradually builds across the area.
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.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS Through 18Z Sunday) Issued At 1124 AM MDT Sat Sep 20 2025
VFR conditions are expected through much of the period. However, fog will develop again tonight on the SD Plains and is likely to impact RAP. A TEMPO was included for MVFR visibilities from 10-14Z Sunday when fog chances are greatest. Fog could last longer with the potential for lower visibilities, but confidence remains limited at this time.
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.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. WY...None. &&
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DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...Smith AVIATION...Melo
NWS UNR Office Area Forecast Discussion