813 FXUS63 KUNR 182330 AFDUNRArea Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY National Weather Service Rapid City SD 530 PM MDT Thu Sep 18 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Precipitation ends Friday morning with some fog overnight - Drier and warmer for the weekend - Low confidence forecast next week
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.DISCUSSION...(This Evening Through Thursday) Issued at 203 PM MDT Thu Sep 18 2025
19z surface analysis had low over central SD with upper low stacked above it per water vapour loop. Weakening showers continue rotating around it with some weak diurnal showers popping up over western SD per shallow buoyancy (18z KUNR sounding). Some cumulus further west with water vapour showing the next wave of interest over eastern MT.
Tonight/Friday morning, central SD shifts east/northeast (precipitation in the east wanes) as eastern MT shortwave spins through the CWA. MT shortwave moisture will be limited, but most guidance (including CAMs) suggest a band of showers will drop through the western half of the CWA overnight. Very weak MUCAPE, but enough for a few lightning strikes. Recent moisture and converging T/Td spreads later tonight/Friday morning suggest patchy/areas of fog will develop. Showers/clouds could suppress extent, but plenty of potential to leave in the forecast. Temperatures will be near guidance.
Upper/thermal ridge builds into the northern plains later Friday into the weekend with drier/warmer conditions expected.
Low confidence forecast next week. LREF mean flow suggests an open wave moves through early in the week with upper ridge thereafter. However, some ensemble guidance has a significant upper low moving across the plains with the CWA on the northern periphery which would create big changes to the NBM forecast. Stay tuned.
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.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS Through 00Z Friday Evening) Issued At 523 PM MDT Thu Sep 18 2025
Light rain showers will linger across portions of NW SD through the early evening. While the precip is gradually expected to dissipate, MVFR/IFR CIGS may linger overnight into Friday. VFR conditions are otherwise expected across NE WY and western SD this evening. MVFR/IFR conditions are possible after 06z as low clouds/fog develop across NE WY and the far western SD plains, but this should dissipate by ~15z. An area of showers is also possible from NE WY to central/southern Black Hills into SW SD between 06z-12z.
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.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. WY...None. &&
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DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...Helgeson AVIATION...13
NWS UNR Office Area Forecast Discussion