Hail in Nebraska, June 29, 2018

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
519 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

.UPDATE...
Issued at 515 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

Please see latest 00z Aviation Discussion

&&

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Sunday)
Issued at 245 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

Main forecast concern for today and tonight will be critical Fire
Weather conditions (see Fire Weather discussion below) and
potential for severe weather. Thunderstorm activity so far this
afternoon has been mainly across northeast Wyoming with some
activity trying to develop along the Laramie Range. Strong upper
level diffluence, high low to midlevel instability, and ample
0-6km shear will be the primary initiation mechanisms for
convection late today and into tonight. A stationary front is
currently located near the Colorado border, but little if any
convection has been observed near this boundary as some drier air
has mixed down to the surface resulting in lower dewpoints. In
addition, mid level subsidence has been rather strong with quite a
bit of dry air aloft. Expect the environment to become more
favorable for convection over the next few hours as the upper
level jet pushes a little further south and east, the stationary
front begins to lift north tonight, and the dry air aloft erodes
through the evening. Expect at least widely scattered strong
thunderstorms through late this evening north of I-80 where a
Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Niobrara and Converse
county. There is a good chance this watch may be extended south
and/or east into this evening with high CAPE values over 4000 j/kg
currently observed over portions of western Nebraska. The main
question is how far south will these thunderstorms develop.
Position of the stationary front has been fluctuating between
Whitaker,Kimball,and Cheyenne so expect the best chance of strong
to severe thunderstorms to be north and east of these locations,
but can not completely rule it out for the I-80 corridor either,
especially later on this evening and through tonight as the main
cold pool aloft, associated with the upper level trough slides
into southeast Wyoming and southern Nebraska. Model soundings show
a lot of conditional instability in these locations after
midnight, so it may be a late show if the synoptic forcing is
large enough further south.

For Saturday, cooler temperatures are expected behind the cold
front with a good chance at low stratus and some fog. The base of
the second upper level shortwave will move across the area in the
afternoon which will likely produce numerous rain showers and
scattered/numerous thunderstorms. Some enhancement of
thunderstorms are possible if partly sunny skies develop along the
I-80 corridor. Increased POP between 50 to 70 percent through
Saturday evening, which is close to model consensus.

Models indicate drier near-zonal flow developing for the remainder
of the weekend with generally dry conditions expected on Sunday
with increasing temperatures back into the 70s to mid 80s.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday night through Thursday)
Issued at 330 AM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

No significant changes to long term forecast from last night /tt

Broad zonal flow aloft will prevail early next week with the belt
of strong westerlies along the northern tier CONUS.
Models/ensembles have been consistent with the development of a
upper low/trough over the northwest CONUS by mid-week. This
pattern change will back the flow aloft to southwesterly. Surface
ridge over the central Great Plains shifts east Monday with
southerly winds through Thursday. A weak surface trough will
reside over the high plains. With the jet stream displaced well
north of the CWA and lack of mid-level moisture and forcing,
convective precipitation will be sparse. There is a slim chance of
diurnal convection Tuesday over the southeast WY mountains and
northeast high plains. Above normal temperatures will prevail
through the extended forecast period, with highs in the mid 80s to
mid 90s lower elevations.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Saturday evening)
Issued at 515 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are moving across the forecast
area. Some of these may become severe and will impact all NE TAF
sites and KCYS in WY. Looking at lowering ceilings post
thunderstorms during the overnight with MVFR conditions at KCYS
and MVFR to IFR for NE sites. Timing based on high-resolution
models looks to be generally from 07z to 15z. VFR conditions will
remain for KLAR and KRWL. Looking at a chance for showers and
thunderstorms again Saturday afternoon.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 145 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

Critical Fire Weather conditions will continue this afternoon and
through this evening across the higher terrain as wind gusts over
30 mph are being observed along with relative humidities between
10 to 15 percent. A cold front will gradually move south and east
across southern Wyoming this evening and tonight, resulting in
cooler weather with higher humidity values through the weekend.
Wetting rainfall is also possible along and south of the I-80
corridor tonight and on Saturday.

&&

.CYS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WY...Red Flag Warning until 8 PM MDT this evening for WYZ305-307-309.

NE...None.
&&

UPDATE...WM
SHORT TERM...TJT
LONG TERM...MAJ
AVIATION...WM
FIRE WEATHER...TJT

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
145 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

NEZ019>021-054-055-WYZ106-116>119-301945-
Scotts Bluff-Banner-Morrill-Kimball-Cheyenne-
Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County-
South Laramie Range-South Laramie Range Foothills-
Central Laramie County-East Laramie County-
145 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of western
Nebraska and southeast Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

Isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and through
tonight. Although severe thunderstorms appear unlikely at this
time, can not rule out a few strong to severe storms late this
afternoon through midnight as a frontal boundary pushes through
the area.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected on Saturday,
especially along the Interstate 80 corridor.

.Spotter information statement...

Spotter activation is unlikely at this time. Report any severe
weather to the National Weather Service..

NEZ002-003-095-096-WYZ101>103-107-108-301945-
Dawes-Box Butte-North Sioux-South Sioux-
Converse County Lower Elevations-Niobrara County-
North Laramie Range-East Platte County-Goshen County-
145 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of western
Nebraska...east central Wyoming and southeast Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Niobrara and Converse
counties until 8 pm MDT late this evening. Scattered thunderstorms
will develop shortly and move northeast through this evening. Some
storms will contain very large hail, strong damaging winds, and
frequent lightning. An isolated tornado is possible as well.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

Scattered thunderstorms are possible on Saturday.

.Spotter information statement...

Spotters are urged to report severe weather to the National
Weather Service This afternoon and this evening.

WYZ104-105-109>115-301945-
Ferris/Seminoe/Shirley Mountains-Shirley Basin-
Central Carbon County-North Snowy Range Foothills-
Southwest Carbon County-Sierra Madre Range-
Upper North Platte River Basin-Snowy Range-Laramie Valley-
145 PM MDT Fri Jun 29 2018

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of south central
Wyoming and southeast Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

Red Flag Warnings continue for the higher terrain of southeast
Wyoming this afternoon and early evening with gusty west winds
up to 35 mph and low humidities.

Isolated thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening.
A few strong thunderstorms with small hail and gusty winds are
possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are possible on Saturday.

.Spotter information statement...

Spotter activation will not be required at this time.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
401 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

WYZ101-102-292300-
Converse County Lower Elevations WY-Niobrara County WY-
401 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN NIOBRARA AND
NORTHEASTERN CONVERSE COUNTIES UNTIL 500 PM MDT...

At 400 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles west of Dull Center, or 25 miles southeast of Wright, moving
northeast at 30 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
this storm.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern
Niobrara and northeastern Converse Counties.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM MDT for
east central Wyoming.

LAT...LON 4336 10526 4349 10532 4350 10529 4350 10468
TIME...MOT...LOC 2200Z 244DEG 28KT 4344 10524

Rubin

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
535 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

WYZ102-300015-
Niobrara County WY-
535 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN NIOBRARA COUNTY UNTIL
615 PM MDT...

At 535 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Manville, or 9 miles northwest of Lusk, moving northeast at 25 mph.

Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Manville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Cheyenne.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM MDT for
east central Wyoming.

LAT...LON 4270 10459 4282 10477 4316 10443 4298 10415
TIME...MOT...LOC 2335Z 221DEG 20KT 4282 10461

Hammer

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
537 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

NEZ095-WYZ102-300030-
North Sioux NE-Niobrara County WY-
537 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN SIOUX AND EAST
CENTRAL NIOBRARA COUNTIES UNTIL 630 PM MDT...

At 537 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 14
miles west of Montrose, or 25 miles south of Edgemont, moving
northeast at 30 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Sioux
and east central Niobrara Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Cheyenne.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM MDT for
east central Wyoming. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch also remains in
effect until 100 AM MDT for the Panhandle of Nebraska.

LAT...LON 4300 10405 4300 10378 4284 10404 4294 10418
      4313 10406
TIME...MOT...LOC 2337Z 221DEG 28KT 4296 10402

Hammer

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
601 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

NEZ019-020-WYZ108-119-300045-
Scotts Bluff NE-Banner NE-Goshen County WY-East Laramie County WY-
601 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN SCOTTS BLUFF...WESTERN
BANNER...SOUTHEASTERN GOSHEN AND EAST CENTRAL LARAMIE COUNTIES UNTIL
645 PM MDT...

At 601 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles southeast of La Grange, or 27 miles southwest of Scottsbluff,
moving north at 35 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Gering, La Grange, Lyman, Albin, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area,
Hubbard Hill, Stegall, Harrisburg and Wildcat Hills Campground.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Cheyenne.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 100 AM MDT for
the Panhandle of Nebraska...and southeastern Wyoming.

LAT...LON 4140 10383 4142 10422 4195 10412 4174 10344
TIME...MOT...LOC 0001Z 197DEG 30KT 4156 10398

Hammer

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
618 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

NEZ019-020-300100-
Scotts Bluff NE-Banner NE-
618 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN SCOTTS BLUFF AND
EASTERN BANNER COUNTIES UNTIL 700 PM MDT...

At 618 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Harrisburg, or 17 miles north of Kimball, moving northeast at 35 mph.

Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Harrisburg and McGrew.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Cheyenne.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 100 AM MDT for
the Panhandle of Nebraska.

LAT...LON 4141 10383 4153 10385 4175 10346 4174 10338
      4140 10338
TIME...MOT...LOC 0018Z 245DEG 29KT 4149 10368

Hammer

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
626 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

NEZ003-300115-
Box Butte NE-
626 PM MDT FRI JUN 29 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL BOX BUTTE COUNTY UNTIL
715 PM MDT...

At 626 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Flahertys Corner, or 27 miles west of Alliance, moving east at 20
mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Hemingford and Berea.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Cheyenne.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 100 AM MDT for
the Panhandle of Nebraska.

LAT...LON 4215 10343 4232 10343 4243 10317 4242 10294
      4205 10294
TIME...MOT...LOC 0026Z 260DEG 17KT 4224 10338

Hammer