• MESO: Mesoscale Discussion 0239

    From COD Weather Processor@1:2320/107 to wx-storm@lists.illinois.edu on Sun Mar 15 01:35:38 2026
    ACUS11 KWNS 150135
    SWOMCD
    SPC MCD 150135=20
    MNZ000-SDZ000-150630-

    Mesoscale Discussion 0239
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0835 PM CDT Sat Mar 14 2026

    Areas affected...South Dakota

    Concerning...Heavy snow=20

    Valid 150135Z - 150630Z

    SUMMARY...Bands of moderate to heavy snow are expected to develop
    across central to northeast South Dakota in the coming hours.
    Snowfall rates upwards of 1 inch/hour appear likely around/after 04
    UTC.

    DISCUSSION...Steady surface pressure falls are noted across the High
    Plains as a cyclone continues to intensify over NE. Concurrently,
    925-850 mb frontogenesis is beginning to increase along the NE/SD
    border as the warm-frontal baroclinic zone of the developing cyclone
    becomes more focused. Additionally, 00z RAOBS and recent VWP
    observations along the MO River Valley/eastern Plains are sampling
    strong warm advection from the surface to 2-3 km AGL. The
    combination of strengthening frontogenesis within a more broad zone
    of isentropic upglide should result in the emergence of at least
    transient precipitation bands across SD in the coming hours.
    Evidence of this banding is already noted in regional reflectivity
    data to the east of Rapid City, SD and south of Aberdeen, SD.=20

    With time, ascent within the left-exit region of the approaching
    upper jet along with strengthening frontogenesis near 700 mb should
    promote more persistent banding and increased ascent through the
    dendritic growth zone. The result will be a higher probability for
    consistent snowfall rates of 1 inch/hour (possibly higher in
    localized areas) under the heavier bands. Based on latest guidance,
    the onset of 1+ inch/hour rates may be as early as 02 UTC, but will
    become more likely after 04 UTC across central to northeast SD.

    ..Moore.. 03/15/2026

    ...Please see https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.spc.noaa.gov__;!!DZ3fj= g!7MnkjRqYx_94qqgs_BuF5UX2kCZfVYDeBYCBkD1Imbgb_DHYpcr3pZNChvEaMgJUy-br0d17_= 38Mp_t7SUSS2VkzfpM$ for graphic product...

    ATTN...WFO...MPX...FSD...ABR...UNR...

    LAT...LON 44409659 43540161 43490227 43540268 43720291 44110296
    44400284 44690225 45739814 45809760 45839696 45749662
    45559644 45289634 44679626 44409659=20


    =3D =3D =3D
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    * Origin: Capitol City Online (1:2320/107)