ZCZC SPCSWOMCD ALL ACUS11 KWNS 302003 SPC MCD 302003 NDZ000-SDZ000-302200- Mesoscale Discussion 1749 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0303 PM CDT Tue Jul 30 2024 Areas affected...North and South Dakota Concerning...Severe potential...Watch possible Valid 302003Z - 302200Z Probability of Watch Issuance...60 percent SUMMARY...Thunderstorm development is anticipated in the next 1-2 hours across the western Dakotas. Storms are expected to intensify as they migrate east into central North and South Dakota. Watch issuance is possible later this afternoon/evening as the severe threat becomes more prominent. DISCUSSION...Recent GOES visible imagery shows a gradual increase in cumulus along a surface trough and within the Black Hills in western SD. Mid to upper-level cirrus overspreading the region from the west is indicative of gradually increasing synoptic-scale ascent ahead of a mid-level shortwave trough over ID/MT. Thunderstorm development appears likely in the coming hours as ascent continues to increase and continued daytime heating erodes any lingering MLCIN. Initial thunderstorms across the western Dakotas will develop within a relatively dry/well-mixed environment with LCL heights between 3.0 to 3.5 km. This environment will favor strong downdraft accelerations and rapid cold pool development/expansion with an attendant severe wind risk. Convection is expected to intensify as it moves east through the evening hours and encounters a reservoir of richer low-level moisture (well-sampled by a recent 19 UTC ABR sounding). Adequate deep-layer wind shear (around 30-35 knots) should support organized convection. Storm coverage remains somewhat uncertain given weak forcing for ascent. While the environment may support a supercell or two this evening, clustering of initial cells is possible and may promote upscale growth and a more robust wind threat. Trends will be monitored and watch issuance may be needed later this afternoon or evening to address this concern. ..Moore/Gleason.. 07/30/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...ABR...BIS...UNR... LAT...LON 44930049 44030188 43840218 43790254 43850287 44170313 44510327 44810330 46100323 46540311 46740298 47060283 47900222 48380147 48400078 48060016 47429973 46649967 46039979 45490003 44930049 NNNN