FXUS63 KFGF 191450 AFDFGF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 950 AM CDT Fri Jul 19 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... -Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible through the weekend and into next week. Severe thunderstorms are unlikely. && .UPDATE... Issued at 950 AM CDT Fri Jul 19 2024 Showers and thunderstorms that formed over Grand Forks area have moved off to the southeast and have mostly dissipated. More shower and thunderstorm activity is starting to move down out of Canada. Made a few minor tweaks to POPs, but should continue to see an overall trend of increasing coverage as we head towards peak heating this afternoon. No severe impacts expected. UPDATE Issued at 618 AM CDT Fri Jul 19 2024 Very little in the way of shower and thunderstorm activity this morning across the forecast area. Current development is limited to Grand Forks County, although CAMs continue to show the potential for more coverage through around mid morning. Overall, the forecast remains on track. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 341 AM CDT Fri Jul 19 2024 ...Synopsis... Ridging prevails through much of the period across the western CONUS, with the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest residing downstream of the ridge. North to northwest flow at the H5 level will continue through the weekend and into next week, with little to no support for low to mid-level moisture return into the region. As such, we are likely to see mainly scattered showers and thunderstorms, with little support for organized or severe convection. Any stronger storms would be tied to diurnal heating, but could potentially support small hail and gusty winds. Ensemble guidance develops an upper low by the early to middle part of next week, which could serve to help flatten the H5 pattern heading into late next week. This remains rather uncertain at this time, with timing being the greatest uncertainty as several ensemble members stall the upper low before it can create any meaningful change in the pattern. Overall, we can expect a continuation of generally warmer than average temperatures, along with nearly daily chances for isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms. && .AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SATURDAY/... Issued at 618 AM CDT Fri Jul 19 2024 VFR conditions prevail through the TAF period at all sites. Look for isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms through the period, with little confidence in exact location. Organized thunderstorms are not expected, with minimal impacts outside of shower activity. Winds remain light and variable through much of the TAF period, with a slight increase in winds possible at KFAR late this afternoon. && .FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... ND...None. MN...None. && $$ UPDATE...Lynch/JR DISCUSSION...Lynch AVIATION...Lynch