


Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Rapid City, SD
Issued by NWS Rapid City, SD
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914 FXUS63 KUNR 051150 AFDUNR Area Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY National Weather Service Rapid City SD 550 AM MDT Sat Jul 5 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... - Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon, main concerns are large hail and damaging winds. - Daily chances for storms will continue through at least Tuesday. - Average to above average temperatures will persist through the beginning of next week. && .DISCUSSION...(Today Through Friday) Issued at 324 AM MDT Sat Jul 5 2025 Nighttime microphysics RGB shows clearing skies over northeastern WY with mid to high cloud cover over western SD. 06Z sfc analysis depicts cold front draped across ND into northwestern SD. Mostly dry conditions should continue through this morning as shortwave ridging builds into the region. Another shortwave and 40- 55kt 500mb jet approaches the region later this afternoon and evening. Low pressure/inverted sfc trof will develop over eastern WY in the afternoon hours with southeasterly-easterly sfc winds advecting moist air into the region with sfc dews exceeding 50F. Corridor of 1000+ J/kg SBCAPE progged to develop across southwestern SD into northeastern WY with deep layer shear increasing through the afternoon as the upper level jet streak approaches. Modest capping should limit convection for most of the area through the afternoon, though upslope flow over the Black Hills could be enough to overcome capping and we could see convection over the hills as early as 18z. Chances for storms increase through the afternoon and evening hours as the upper wave nears and upstream convection approaches the region. In terms of severe potential, bulk shear values of 30-40kt should be enough to support organized convection and rotating updrafts. With any early afternoon convection over the Black Hills, straight line hodographs favor splitting storms and a hail threat. Later in the afternoon, steepening low and mid level lapse rates, increasing low-level shear, and DCAPE approaching 900+J/kg will be supportive of both severe winds and hail. Later in the evening, after around 03z, CAMs have been consistent in depicting MCS feature exiting MT and entering western SD as the upper level wave crosses the region. Main concerns with this convection would be damaging wind gusts. Storms could develop once again Sunday afternoon as parent shortwave and jet streak lingers over the region. Though there is some question as to how convection Saturday evening/night will affect conditions on Sunday and the better environment for severe weather may be south of the CWA. Zonal upper flow will continue through early next week with embedded shortwaves bringing periodic chances for storms as a warm, buoyant environment remains in place. Upper level ridge progged to build into the region by Wednesday, which should limit severe potential and support a warming trend. && .AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS Through 12Z Sunday Morning) Issued At 542 AM MDT Sat Jul 5 2025 Low stratus and associated MVFR CIGS have developed across the northern and eastern foothills. These clouds should lift after 15-16z. There`s a chance for TSRA to develop over the Black Hills after 18z, storms will be capable of large hail and strong and erratic winds. Chances for TSRA will increase across northeastern WY into western SD later this afternoon and evening. Storms may be strong to severe and capable of large hail and strong and erratic winds. Chances for -SHRA/TSRA will continue through the overnight hours. && .UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. WY...None. && $$ DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...Wong AVIATION...Wong