


Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Rapid City, SD
Issued by NWS Rapid City, SD
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052 FXUS63 KUNR 280010 AFDUNR Area Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY National Weather Service Rapid City SD 610 PM MDT Wed Aug 27 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... - Temperatures around normal through the Weekend. - Isolated to scattered showers possible this afternoon and Thursday. - More widespread precipitation chances possible over the weekend. && .DISCUSSION...(This Evening Through Wednesday) Issued at 125 PM MDT Wed Aug 27 2025 Current Water Vapor and upper air models show upper trough over the New England region, with northwest flow over the forecast area as a narrow ridge sits over the lee side of the Rockies into the northern plains. Surface analysis depicts a low over north central WY with a frontal boundary stretching down into southeastern WY. Temperatures currently sit in the 70s to mid 80s across the FA, with radar showing some returns developing in northeastern WY near the boundary. Main forecast concern will be shower/storm chances today through the weekend. Boundary axis shifts eastward, increasing storm chances this afternoon and evening, mainly over northeast Wyoming through the Black hills and southwestern SD where the better forcing is progged. Some areas of modest CAPE in the 500-1000 j/Kg range, however little to no shear observed and forecasted, so very low chance of any severe storms today. Precipitation chances continue Thursday, as wave traverses slowly across the northern plains. Messy overall pattern expected over the weekend, as the narrow ridge flattens into northwest flow, with multiple shortwaves moving over the northern plains. Better chance for more widespread wetting rains Friday and Saturday. PWAT values increase to the 1-1.5 range as return moisture moves in. Upper flow is not strong, and will likely continue to limit any potential for organized severe storms through the weekend. Chances for shower/storms diminish later Sunday and Monday, as upper ridge tries to strengthen over the western CONUS. May see a slight warm up early next week as ridge tries to strengthen, but overall expect temperatures to remain close to normal through the forecast period. && .AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS Through 00Z Thursday Evening) Issued At 558 PM MDT Wed Aug 27 2025 Scattered showers will continue to move through mid evening across northeast WY into portions of the Black Hills. An increase of storm coverage (scattered to numerous) is expected throughout the day Thursday and into Thursday evening. Local MVFR/IFR conditions will be possible in heavier precipitation. && .UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. WY...None. && $$ DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...Dye AVIATION...Sonnenfeld/Calderon