FXUS63 KFSD 251125 AFDFSD Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 625 AM CDT Sat Oct 25 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... - Breezy southeasterly winds over the weekend may lead to some locally elevated fire weather concerns. However, cloud cover and higher dew points should temper widespread elevated and any near critical conditions. - Rain chances return on Monday and Tuesday. While exact amounts are uncertain, ensemble guidance continue to show generally moderate probabilities (30-60%) of half an inch or more of rain. - Seasonable temperatures continue through next week with highs mainly in the 50s and lower 60s. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 305 AM CDT Sat Oct 25 2025 NOW THROUGH SUNDAY: Low clouds expanding over the area this morning kept temperatures on the mild side, still in the upper 40s to mid 50s through 3 AM CDT. Have seen a few very isolated sprinkles, and can't rule out a few more through mid morning before stratus begins to lift. Mid and upper level ridging continues today, although we'll likely see more clouds than sun as we see southerly low level flow and the cloud shield from the mid/upper level low spinning off to our south. These lower clouds should moderate temperatures a touch - with highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s. South to southeasterly winds gust around 20-25 mph, with some higher gusts to 30 mph west of the James River possible. Ridge moves to the east Sunday as the next trough begins to eject out of the Rockies. Tightening surface pressure gradient leads to stronger southerly winds, and could see some gusts to 40 mph west of the James River during the afternoon hours. Elevated fire danger is expected especially west of I-29 due to strong winds. However, minimum humidity values at least 40-60% temper more widespread and critical fire danger. Highs on Sunday should be a bit warmer, into the lower and mid 60s, although could shake out to be a couple degrees cooler if cloud cover is more prevalent. SUNDAY NIGHT-EARLY NEXT WEEK: Trough ejecting out of the Rockies could lead to some isolated showers Sunday night; however, more widespread rain chances are expected with the main mid/upper level trough and surface low moving through the northern Plains Monday and Tuesday. Guidance continues to trend upward with pops, likely driven by the Canadian which brings a broad, inverted surface trough to the forecast area versus a more defined surface low tracking south of our area. Ensemble probabilities of over 0.10" of rain during this time are high (over 80%) although there is still some disagreement in the location and timing of the highest probability. GFS ensemble is now the highest with the potential of 0.50" or more - up to 70% west of the James - while the Canadian and ECMWF ensembles are closer to 30-50%. Temperatures through the early part of the week remain near seasonal averages with highs in the lower to mid 50s, and lows in the 30s. Breezy conditions are expected, with gusts at times around 30-35 mph. MID-LATE NEXT WEEK: Models continue to diverge toward the middle and end of next week. All guidance shows a low pressure/trough over the eastern US with another wave/trough on its heels late week. This pattern could lead to occasional lower end precipitation chances but confidence is low on the details given model spread. Temperatures should remain near seasonal averages with periodic breezy winds. && .AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/... Issued at 618 AM CDT Sat Oct 25 2025 A mix of conditions through the period, with stratus lingering across the area. Expect fluctuations between VFR, MVFR, and IFR conditions. Confidence is low on the exact timing, but VFR conditions are more likely this afternoon and evening, with a return to MVFR/IFR ceilings late tonight. Isolated sprinkles possible this morning with little to no accumulation. Areas west of the James River may see some patchy fog, but not expecting any widespread visibility restrictions. South to southeasterly winds expected through the period, with gusts 20-25 knots. Strongest gusts will be west of I-29, and may linger through the evening and into tonight. && .FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. MN...None. IA...None. NE...None. && $$ DISCUSSION...SG AVIATION...SG