Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Rapid City, SD

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963
FXUS63 KUNR 111124
AFDUNR

Area Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
524 AM MDT Mon Aug 11 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Smoke/haze exits
- Seasonally warm/hot temperatures expected this week
- Elevated fire weather conditions developing southwest
- Marginal risk (level 1 of 5) of severe thunderstorms late
  Wednesday

&&

.DISCUSSION...(Today Through Sunday)
Issued at 143 AM MDT Mon Aug 11 2025

07z surface analysis had weak high just south of the CWA with a
cool front draped across southern SK into northern MT. Surface
observations show smoke has moved to the eastern reaches of the
CWA. The smoke will continue move out this morning per HRRR
guidance. Water vapour loop had upper trough from Hudson Bay to
the southern Plains with an upstream shortwave pushing southeast
into MT on 110kt jet streak over the Canadian Rockies.

Today/tonight, shortwave slips through the northern Plains pushing
the cool front through the CWA during peak insolation. Weak
buoyancy/shear in place with notable SBCIN over most of the CWA.
Weakest inhibition over northwest SD this afternoon, which is where
we continue to have low PoPs. Some CAMs have a weak line of
convection all the way into northeastern WY, but moisture seems
scant for that scenario. Another nice sleeping night tonight.
Temperatures will be near guidance.

Tuesday will be dry with slightly cooler temperatures.
Wednesday/Thursday, southwest flow aloft develops allowing thermal
ridge to expand into the northern plains. Weak shortwave moves
along the US/Canadian border Wednesday which will induce a weak
low along lee trough from central MT into eastern WY. Features
should encourage moisture return and low level jet Wednesday
night. Ingredients in place for isolated strong/severe convection,
especially for the northeast half of the CWA where marginal risk
(level 1 of 5) of severe thunderstorms is painted. Temperatures
will be noticeably warmer both days as thermometers soar into the
90s. Best chance of 100F readings is Thursday (LREF 30% chance).
Slightly more active pattern develops for Friday into the weekend
as southwest flow aloft spins a series of shortwaves into the
region.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS Through 12Z Tuesday Morning)
Issued At 522 AM MDT Mon Aug 11 2025

Leftover MVFR smoke from KHEI-KICR will lift northeast and end
this morning. Isolated shra/TS may develop over northwestern SD
this afternoon as a weak cool front moves through. Otherwise, VFR
conditions expected through the period.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued At 143 AM MDT Mon Aug 11 2025

Drier weather expected through Thursday with hot temperatures
returning for Wednesday/Thursday along with minimum afternoon
relative humidities in the teens for parts of northeastern
WY/southwestern SD. Wind speeds may be sufficient for the
development of elevated fire weather conditions, particularly in
areas where seasonal fuels are drying out significantly.

&&

.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...None.
WY...None.
&&

$$

DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...Helgeson
AVIATION...Helgeson
FIRE WEATHER...Helgeson