FXUS63 KBIS 101744 AFDBIS Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Bismarck ND 1244 PM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Warming temperatures today through the weekend. - Widespread 40 to 60 percent rain chances Saturday night through early next week, with a few thunderstorms at times. Some rain/snow mix possible Monday night, mainly across the north. - Active weather pattern continues next week, along with near normal temperatures. && .UPDATE... Issued at 1237 PM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026 The forecast for this afternoon remains on track. No changes from earlier thinking. See below for updated Aviation discussion. UPDATE Issued at 1019 AM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026 West-northwesterly flow aloft with surface high pressure over the eastern Dakotas. Increasing southerly return flow in the wake of the sfc high as it meanders off to the east, with breezy south-southeasterly winds across southwestern North Dakota this afternoon, spreading across most of western and central ND tonight. A mostly sunny sky today with temperatures warming into the 50s to around 60. There were no major edits to the forecast with this product issuance. UPDATE Issued at 608 AM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026 Limited updates needed this morning. Lingering clouds are starting to diminish giving way to mainly clear skies. Some patchy fog still possible this morning, although dry conditions should limit this. Overall forecast remains on track. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 330 AM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026 Surface high will bring light winds to start today. Northwest flow aloft bringing some mid level clouds as well this morning. Areas with light winds and clear skies could see some patchy fog this morning, mainly in southern and northern portions. As the surface high moves eastward, breezy southerly winds will begin to develop in westerly portions. This will bring warming temperatures today with highs in the 50s to lower 60s across the west and 40s east. Lowering RH values this afternoon combined with these increasing winds may bring some elevated fire weather concerns, although winds and RH should fall short of critical fire weather conditions. Increased pressure gradient at the surface will continue breezy southerly winds through tonight, with mild lows in the 30s. Surface low then forms lee of the northern Rockies Saturday. This will continue breezy southerly winds across most of central and eastern North Dakota while bringing warm temperatures in the 70s west to 50s east. Increasing moisture in southerly flow, combined with an 850 mb shortwave could also provide for some rain showers, drizzle, and perhaps elevated thunderstorms across the east on Saturday. CSU-MLP still showing some low probs for severe weather in the east on Saturday, although perhaps more far eastern ND is impacted by this. More showers and thunderstorms could then develop Saturday night as the surface low moves through. Low probability for stronger thunderstorms may also be found at this time, however these should remain elevated if any thunderstorms can develop. Lows Saturday night will be mild and generally in the 40s. Sunday still looks to be warm with highs in the 60s to lower 70s, and unsettled with the surface low continuing to move through. Showers and thunderstorms remain possible, although CSU-MLP has shifted chances of severe weather eastward. A breezy westerly flow may develop after the surface low moves through on Sunday. Surface cold front is then forecast to move across the state from north to south Sunday night, bringing more rain chances and some elevated thunderstorms. Lows could cool somewhat to the 30s north to the 40s south. Weakly organized trough pattern could then be found for next week. A split flow pattern could begin Monday, along with the remnants of the mentioned cold front. Showers could linger through Monday and into Monday night as a result along with slightly cooler temperatures. Weak instability could again bring some chances for thunderstorms Monday, while cooler temperatures in the north could bring some rain and snow chances Monday night. Tuesday or Wednesday could see a break in the weather before the next trough pattern moves into the area. Look for diminished precipitation chances these days along with mild temperatures. Clusters then indicate the next trough pattern could return towards the end of next week. Rain and snow chances could return as a result along with the potential for cooling temperatures although NBM spreads remain large and will depend on timing of this next trough feature. && .AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/... Issued at 1237 PM CDT Fri Apr 10 2026 VFR conditions are forecast through the majority of the 18Z period at all terminals. Light winds early today will increase this afternoon and into tonight from the south-southeast. Some low level wind shear could return, although only have this in the KJMS TAF for now where the probability of occurrence is highest. In addition, models are in fair agreement with an area of low level stratus (MVFR to IFR ceilings) advecting from south to north over the eastern Dakotas late tonight through Sat morning, and may impact KJMS after 12Z. Will continue to monitor, but did include a mention in the 18Z KJMS TAF. && .BIS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && $$ UPDATE...NH DISCUSSION...Anglin AVIATION...NH