Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Grand Forks, ND

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FXUS63 KFGF 150243
AFDFGF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
943 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Elevated fire weather conditions will occur Friday in
  southeast North Dakota and west-central Minnesota. There is a
  40% chance of Red Flag Warning criteria being met in southeast
  North Dakota.

- Windy conditions will occur Friday and Saturday. There is a
  60% chance for winds to gust 45 mph or greater during the day
  Friday into Saturday.

- There is a 10% chance for minor winter travel impacts between
  Friday night through Sunday morning due to brief heavy snow
  showers reducing visibility with light accumulations.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 943 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024

Seeing some unknown precip reports in the southern red river
valley this evening around Valley City. These should continue
SSE tonight. Judging by temperatures, it`s probably
sprinkles/drizzle. Forecast remains on track.

Issued at 627 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024

Clouds lingering this evening should clear out into the
overnight hours. Not expecting any precipitation with the radar
returns; most likely virga out there. Forecast remains on track.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 327 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024

Tonight:

Isolated snow showers will remain possible in the northern Red
River Valley into eastern North Dakota. Impacts are not
anticipated from this activity due to light snow rates and
inability to accumulate.

Fire Weather Friday:

A strong clipper moves through the Canadian Prairie Provinces
into western Great Lakes region Friday into Saturday. Ahead of
this system will be increasing winds along with dry and mild
conditions. This will set the synoptic-stage for elevated fire
weather conditions.

Winds increase out of the southwest by Friday afternoon 20-30 mph,
gusting 30-45 mph, with highest winds residing in North Dakota.
Relative humidity values are forecast to be lowest along and south
of the I-94 corridor, in the 20-30 percent range. There is a
20% chance values in southeast North Dakota dip into the upper
teens.

With this in mind, there is a 40% chance Red Flag Warning
criteria will be met in southeast North Dakota, with main
uncertainty stemming from unknowns about fuel status for rapid
fire spread. That being said, recent wildfires like the Doran
fire in Otter Tail County, MN, and Westport, SD, lend confidence
in fine fuels like grasses being cured enough for fire spread.
Will reassess in subsequent shifts to see if Red Flag Warning is
needed.

Windy Conditions Friday and Saturday:

Deep mixing and an approaching strong clipper will allow gusty
southwest winds 30-45 mph to transfer to the surface during the
day Friday. Southwest direction of the winds will favor eastern
North Dakota and the western Red River Valley in seeing highest
winds. There is a 60% chance winds will gust higher than 45 mph
in these locations.

Late afternoon into evening Friday, a cold front will move
through shifting winds out of the northwest and north while
still being 30- 45 mph. Winds may gust over 50 mph along and
behind the front, with a 20% chance of this occurring within the
Red River Valley and eastern North Dakota. Winds will remain
elevated during the day Saturday, with highest winds expected in
the Valley given northerly flow and cold air advection behind
the front.

Potential Winter Impacts Saturday - Sunday:

While majority of forcing for precipitation will be east of our
area closer to Great Lakes region, some showery activity may
spread into our area, best chances east of US Highway 59
corridor. Given steep lapse rates amidst relatively deep
saturation within the boundary layer, along with increased wind
field, some snow showers will hold potential to bring brief
instances of heavy snow rates which would decrease visibility
and allow an opportunity for light accumulations. However, warm
ground temperatures should mitigate efficiency of snow to
accumulate.

There is a 10% chance for minor winter travel impacts between
Friday night through Sunday morning due to brief heavy snow
showers reducing visibility with light accumulations.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 627 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024

MVFR Ceilings will linger through around 06z. Things should
improve to VFR after that. Winds will increase with sustained
winds 20-25kts and gusts up to 35-40kts possible in the
afternoon.Ceilings will lower to MVFR conditions in the evening
hours towards the end of the TAF period.

&&

.FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ND...None.
MN...None.

&&

$$

UPDATE...AH
DISCUSSION...CJ
AVIATION...AH


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