375 FXUS63 KUNR 150832 AFDUNRArea Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY National Weather Service Rapid City SD 232 AM MDT Wed Oct 15 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Dense fog/patchy drizzle this morning, but patchy/areas of fog will linger through tonight - Unsettled through Thursday - Isolated strong/severe thunderstorms tonight parts of northeastern WY/southwestern SD - Drying out this weekend with seasonal weather
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.DISCUSSION...(Today Through Tuesday) Issued at 225 AM MDT Wed Oct 15 2025
08z surface analysis had high over the Great Lakes and trough from eastern MT into central CO. Low level moist east/southeast flow between the two feeding fog/dense fog/patchy drizzle across much of the CWA early this morning per surface observations/highway cameras. Water vapour loop showed upper low spinning over southern NV with shortwave-laden southwest flow over the northern Plains. Wave over WY creating shra/TS over northeastern WY per regional radar loop/GLM data. Forecast concern continues to be upper low.
Today/tonight, upper low ejects into the central Rockies. Surface low spins up along surface trough in northeastern CO. Low level moist east/southeast flow will continue with dense fog/drizzle early this morning and improving visibilities late morning/afternoon, but fog will still linger into tonight for some folks. Current Dense Fog Headlines look good. As surface low spins up, a narrow band of 0.5-1KJ/kg MUCAPE (SPC HREF) is forecast to poke into the CWA from the south late this afternoon/tonight. Given expected stratus/fog surface-based convection developing in the CWA might be tough, but elevated buoyancy/effective shear may be sufficient for isolated strong/marginally severe thunderstorms (hail/wind) this evening over southwest portions of the CWA. Otherwise, band of shra/TS will invade the CWA tonight affecting the western half the most with a 40-60% chance of 0.50" QPF per HREF where the band sets up. Forecast PWATs 150-200% of normal, so locally heavy rain possible if any training develops. Have lowered temperatures for MaxT today courtesy of stratus/fog.
Thursday, upper low moves into southern MB with dry slot over the eastern half of the area. Additional showers likely on the back side over the west with any daytime heating conducive to popcorn showers especially over northeastern WY. Temperatures will be near guidance.
Friday into the weekend, northwest flow aloft is replaced with upper ridge with drier weather and a warming trend. Progressive flow early next week creates low confidence forecast as a series of upper troughs move across the northern Plains. Typical Fall pattern.
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.AVIATION...(For the 06Z TAFS Through 06Z Wednesday Night) Issued At 1053 PM MDT Tue Oct 14 2025
Widespread fog, drizzle, and low clouds will persist across western SD through the forecast period with IFR/LIFR conditions. Low clouds and IFR conditions will slowly creep into NE WY after 06-07z, persisting through the forecast period.
Rain showers are possible across the area overnight, with additional chances, and a few thunderstorms, Wednesday afternoon and evening.
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.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...Dense Fog Advisory until 9 AM MDT /10 AM CDT/ this morning for SDZ001-002-012>014-024>032-041>044-046-047-049-072>078. WY...Dense Fog Advisory until 9 AM MDT this morning for WYZ054-056- 057-060. &&
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DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...Helgeson AVIATION...SE
NWS UNR Office Area Forecast Discussion