Active spring pattern across the center of the nation with several rounds of severe thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend. The regions under the greatest threats are the southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley. Meanwhile, dry and breezy conditions with dry fuels are aiding in wildfires across the western High Plains and the Southeast. Wind and some snow for northern Rockies. Read More >
Crazy Horse Memorial
Devils Tower National Monument
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (near the Spearfish entrance)
Badlands National Park (Interior entrance)
Custer State Park
Wind Cave National Park
Angostura Reservoir
Belle Fourche Reservoir
Cold Brook Reservoir
Deerfield Reservoir
Keyhole Reservoir
Pactola Reservoir
Shadehill Reservoir
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SXUS43 KUNR 252003
RECUNR
Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Forecast
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
202 PM MDT Sat Apr 25 2026
This forecast is information to assist pilots and aircrews for flight planning
and is not to be considered as a sole source of information to meet all
preflight actions. Pilots should receive a complete preflight briefing from a
Flight Service Station (1-800-WXBRIEF) or online via 1800wxbrief.com.
...HERE IS THE AFTERNOON HOT AIR BALLOON FORECAST
FOR THE HOT SPRINGS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT...
.THIS AFTERNOON...
Sunset: 749 PM.
Surface Wind Forecast: 4 PM...100/12G20 mph.
6 PM...100/12 mph.
Boundary Layer Wind: 4 PM...120/20 mph. Depth 4000 ft.
6 PM...120/18 mph. Depth 3900 ft.
RAP Winds (approx. 5 PM): 250ft...120/05 mph.
500ft...120/06 mph.
1000ft...130/06 mph.
2000ft...140/06 mph.
3000ft...190/05 mph.
Surface Lifted Index: 4 PM...+11.
7 PM...+8.
Density Altitude: 4 PM...3128 ft.
6 PM...3167 ft.
Additional Weather Info: ceilings around 3000 feet AGL,
unrestricted visibilities,
20 percent chance of precipitation.
.OUTLOOK FOR TOMORROW MORNING...
Sunrise: 551 AM.
Weather: ceilings around 1000 feet AGL,
unrestricted visibilities,
60 percent chance of precipitation.
Surface Wind: 6 AM...090/07 mph.
8 AM...090/10 mph.
Boundary Wind: 6 AM...100/12 mph. Depth 800 ft.
8 AM...100/15 mph. Depth 1400 ft.
RAP Winds (approx. 6 AM): 250ft...110/04 mph.
500ft...150/08 mph.
1000ft...160/14 mph.
2000ft...150/19 mph.
3000ft...150/24 mph.
This forecast is not routinely updated or amended outside of any scheduled
issuances.
&&
Additional aviation observations and forecasts are available at
aviationweather.gov. You can also read the local aviation forecast discussion
at https://www.aviationweather.gov/fcstdisc.
$$
WFO UNR
Note: "Boundary layer" above refers to the planetary boundary layer, or the layer within which the effects of friction are significant (courtesy of the NWS Glossary). The depth of this layer will vary throughout the day, typically reaching its maximum depth in the afternoon and minimum depth overnight.
The soundings below show temperature (in red) and dew point (in green) at decreasing pressures (increasing heights) throughout the atmosphere. Latest Observed Sounding from Rapid City (courtesy NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research) |
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Forecast Soundings for the Hot Springs Municipal Airport (click to zoom) |
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