113 FXUS63 KUNR 281115 AFDUNRArea Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY National Weather Service Rapid City SD 515 AM MDT Sun Sep 28 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Mostly dry with above average temperatures through Thursday - Gusty southerly winds at times through Tuesday - Elevated fire weather conditions at times
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.DISCUSSION...(Today Through Saturday) Issued at 203 AM MDT Sun Sep 28 2025
07z surface analysis had high over the Midwest with lee trough from central MT into central CO. Decent gradient inbetween creating 35kt low level jet per model output/KUDX WSR-88D VAD wind profile. Some of the wind making it to the ground per surface observations along the Pine Ridge, higher elevations of the Black Hills, and northern foothills areas. Water vapour loop had upper ridge over the central CONUS with upper low over the southwest CONUS. Plenty of stars out there piercing the night sky.
Today through Tuesday, upper ridge very slowly moves east/northeast as upper trough approaches the northwest CONUS. CWA will be under southwest flow aloft with limited moisture, although there will be some mid-level moisture for today/Monday. A couple CAMs suggest isolated high-based convection could occur in the late afternoon/evening hours, but chances too low to put in forecast at this time. Lee trough/surface high position changes little, so gusty southerly winds (25-40kt boundary layer winds) will continue given best gradient east of the Black Hills and HREF/NBM chance of >=45mph gusts 90F east of the Black Hills 50-90% today, 30-50% Monday/Tuesday.
Wednesday/Thursday, most ensemble guidance has slowed the exit of the upper ridge to our east which means toastier MaxT/s under sustained southwest flow aloft. Lower 90s within reach Thursday for many folks east of the Black Hills. Friday into next weekend, upper trough eventually shows up, but confidence not high for timing. When it arrives, cooler temperatures slide in with PoPs slowly appearing.
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.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS Through 12Z Monday Morning) Issued At 513 AM MDT Sun Sep 28 2025
Expect VFR conditions through the period. Southerly winds will gusts to 35kts east of the Black Hills through much of the period.
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.FIRE WEATHER... Issued At 203 AM MDT Sun Sep 28 2025
Elevated fire danger continues through Tuesday as sustained dry and unseasonably warm weather continues. Gusty southerly winds continue, especially east of the Black Hills. MinRH in the upper teens/20s (some 30s central SD). Joint probability of critical fire weather conditions (=25mph gusts)
NWS UNR Office Area Forecast Discussion