Hazardous levels of smoke in Central Mountains

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Areas near regional and local fires could experience periods of Hazardous.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, South Idaho, East Idaho while light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over the Clearwater Basin. This afternoon, areas of smoke from the Central Mountains will continue to drift into the Magic Valley, Treasure Valley, and Southeast Highlands. The southward movement will temporarily provide for limited clearing across East Idaho this afternoon before more smoke moves in early tomorrow morning. Areas of smoke will linger across South and East Idaho over the weekend as the low system approaches on Sunday, shifting the overall flow more southwesterly which will aid in smoke dispersion Sunday evening. With the light winds, areas of smoke from the Central Mountains and Bitterroot Mountains will also spread north into the Clearwater Basin tomorrow. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 30, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending across South and East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over the Clearwater Basin.

Smoke moving south from Central Mountain fires

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range with periods in the Hazardous range near regional and local fires.  

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, the Treasure Valley, and the Magic Valley. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over East Idaho. This afternoon, northerly winds will continue to nudge areas of smoke from the Central Mountains into the Magic Valley, the Treasure Valley, and the Southeast Highlands. The southward movement will temporarily provide for limited clearing across East Idaho this evening before more smoke moves in early tomorrow morning. The areas of smoke will linger overnight across South Idaho. With the light winds, areas of smoke from the Central Mountains will also spread north into the Clearwater Basin tomorrow morning, and the Palouse by the afternoon. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 29, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending across South and East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over East Idaho.

Smoke, smoke, and more smoke for Central Mountains folk

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range with periods of Very Unhealthy near regional and local fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over South and East Idaho. This afternoon, northerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the Central Mountains into the Magic Valley, while the winds across the Snake River Plains will push the smoke eastward. By midafternoon, the transport winds will have a more westerly direction and the thick smoke from the Central Mountains will flow east towards Montana and East Idaho. Light smoke and haze will move into North Idaho from a local fire in Washington. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of North and East Idaho this afternoon. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. Diurnal drainage winds will set back up tonight and areas of thick smoke and haze will return to portions of the Treasure and Magic Valleys. Light to patchy smoke and haze will linger across North and East Idaho overnight. Light morning northerly winds will continue to push the smoke and haze across South and East Idaho through tomorrow afternoon with limited dispersion for East Idaho. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 28, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over South, and East Idaho.

Still smoky in the Central Mountains; hazy elsewhere

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range with brief periods of Very Unhealthy air near local and regional fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze and light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North, South, and East Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will continue to nudge areas of smoke from the Central Mountains towards Montana. Light smoke and haze will move into the Palouse Basin from a local fire in Washington. While light smoke and haze will move into the Treasure Valley this evening from the fires in the Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of the North and East Idaho this afternoon. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As the low-pressure system moves through the Central Mountains, the winds will shift from the northwest forcing patchy smoke and haze into the Snake River Plain tomorrow morning. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 27, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North, South, and East Idaho.

Hi, it's Idaho. We're the problem. It's us.

Today’s air quality is forecast to be Good to Unhealthy with brief periods of Very Unhealthy near regional and local fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over the Bitterroot Mountains, the Magic Valley, and East Idaho. This afternoon, light smoke and haze will move into East Idaho from the Central Mountain fires. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of the Magic Valley and East Idaho this afternoon. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 26, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are seen over the Bitterroot Mountains, the Magic Valley, and East Idaho.

Big smoke impacts over Central Idaho

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range with periods in the Very Unhealthy range for those near local and regional fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze that are drifting into North Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are also visible over South and East Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge smoke into the Magic Valley from the fires in California and Nevada. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountains will continue to drift east into Montana and portions of East Idaho later this evening. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 23, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending northward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are seen over North, South, and East Idaho.

Smoke and haze across the state

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range, though areas near regional and local fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North, East, and South Idaho. This afternoon, southerly winds will nudge smoke towards the Clearwater Basin and the Magic Valley. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho later this evening. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. Light to patchy smoke and haze will move into portions of East Idaho early tomorrow morning.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 22, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending northward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are seen over North Idaho and the Magic Valley. 

Same old, same old. Lots of smoke in the central portion of the state.

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range. Areas near local and regional fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North and South Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge smoke into the East Central Mountains and North Idaho. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountain fires will drift south into South and East Idaho later this evening. More light to patchy smoke and haze will linger over the Idaho Panhandle overnight. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. Afternoon winds tomorrow will become more southerly and push areas of smoke from the Central Mountains into the Idaho Panhandle.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 21, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South and North Idaho. 

Thick smoke over Central Mountains

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range. Areas near local fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy air quality.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains and North and South Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge areas of smoke into the East Central Mountains and North Idaho. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon, but by evening, patchy smoke and haze will drift into South and East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze will linger over the Idaho Panhandle overnight. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 20 August 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South and North Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory in Effect for Boise and Valley County

 

Fires in Central Mountains impacting Idaho

Today’s air quality index is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range, though areas near local and regional fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains and North and South Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains, the Bitterroot Mountains, and North Idaho. Smoke and haze will linger over the Panhandle overnight. After some limited dispersion across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon, patchy smoke and haze will drift into South Idaho later this evening. Smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. Light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide further limited dispersion.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 9:21 a.m. MDT on August 19, 2024 shows light smoke and haze visible over North Idaho with thick smoke seen over over the Central Mountains. Thickest smoke is seen over the West Central Mountains.

Smoky, hazy nights and some clearing during the day

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Areas near locals fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy.

Thick smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains, while light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North and South Idaho. This afternoon, smoke from the West Central Mountains will move into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho until this evening when patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountain fires will drift into South Idaho. Smoke and haze will linger over the Idaho Panhandle overnight and portions of the Central Mountains overnight. As temperatures decrease over night, anywhere smoke  can become trapped and raise local AQI levels until the following morning. Light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 16, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South Idaho, North Idaho, and the Magic Valley.

Limited dispersion this afternoon for parts of South and North Idaho

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Areas near local fires could experience brief periods of Unhealthy. 

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains and  North and South Idaho. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountain fires will drift into South Idaho later this evening, while more light to patchy smoke and haze from Washington will move into the Idaho Panhandle overnight. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide further limited dispersion.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 15, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South and North Idaho. 

Central Mountains seeing biggest smoke impacts

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, though areas near regional and local fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy.

Currently, smoke and haze are visible across North, East, and South Idaho. Portions of the Central Mountains are experiencing thick smoke and haze from local fires where it remain all day. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected for portions of South, East, and North Idaho. Light smoke and haze will drift back into South Idaho this evening. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke across the state can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South and North tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide more limited dispersion.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 14, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South, East, and North Idaho.

Thick smoke and haze across Central Mountains

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range. The highest AQI levels will be experienced near local and regional fires.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains, North, and South Idaho. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains and South Idaho into the East Central Mountains, the Magic Valley, and the Bitterroot Mountains. Limited dispersion this afternoon can be expected across portions South and North Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze will drift into South Idaho from Oregon and the Idaho Panhandle from Washington this evening. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. Across the state, as temperatures decrease over night, any lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South Idaho and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide more limited dispersion.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 13, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South Idaho and North Idaho.

No surprises here - still smoky. Afternoons offer best chances for clearing

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range.  The highest AQI values will be seen around regional and local fires.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of South and North Idaho and the Central Mountains. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of thick smoke from the West Central Mountains and South Idaho into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion this afternoon can be expected across portions South and North Idaho. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide more limited dispersion.

NOAA Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 12 August 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South Idaho and North Idaho.

EPA Lifts Air Quality Advisory on the Ft. Hall Reservation

(Seattle – Thursday, September 15, 2022) -- Air quality has improved the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its Air Quality Advisory for the Fort Hall Reservation effective immediately.     

Restrictions on open burning, including those for fire danger, by the Tribe or other federal agencies remain in place. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency.            

EPA thanks all reservation residents for their cooperation in protecting and maintaining good air quality.                  

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans.   

Some see improvement while smoke and haze will linger for most of state

 Air Quality Advisory Lifted for Blaine, Camas, Bingham, Bannock, Power, Caribou, Bear Lake, Franklin, and Oneida Counties.

Air quality can change quickly during wildfires. Check the DEQ's real-time air quality map and open burn map frequently. 

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range, while areas near regional and local fires may experience periods of Very Unhealthy air.

Smoke and haze are currently seen over portions of South, East, and North Idaho, as well as the Central Mountains. Westerly winds this afternoon will push thick smoke from the West Central Mountain and South Idaho into the East Central Mountains and the Magic Valley. Limited dispersion across South Idaho is expected, when some patchy smoke and haze moves towards the southern Idaho border. South and East Idaho will see more clearing Saturday afternoon. Otherwise, light to patchy smoke will linger through the weekend across most of the state. Overnight surface temperature inversions will trap lingering smoke and raise AQI values until limited clearing occurs after inversions break in the late mornings.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6 a.m. MDT  August 9, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Patchy smoke and haze are visible over East Idaho and North Idaho.

EPA Issues Air Quality Advisory for Fort Hall Reservation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, in coordination with the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, has issued an air quality advisory on the Fort Hall Reservation due to the elevated pollution caused by regional fires.

 

Weather forecasts indicate poor air quality will continue at least through Saturday with possible clearing on Sunday. The advisory begins immediately and is in effect until further notice. Burn bans for fire safety may also be in place. 

 

Air pollution can harm health and may have lasting effects. People who are at greater risk from the effects of smoke include those who are pregnant, have heart or lung conditions, elders and children. Everyone should monitor their reactions and take precautions such as using an N95 mask or reducing activity levels if symptoms like coughing increase. 

  

To check conditions in your area, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/.  For current Advisory status on tribal lands, call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit   

https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency or fire department. For smoke and fire information in Idaho visit http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/         

AQAs still in effect for most of southern Idaho

 Check the Open Burn Map for a list of affected counties. 

Smoky southern Idaho

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range for most of the state but areas near regional and local fires could experience periods of Very Unhealthy air.

Currently, thick smoke and haze are seen across portions of South Idaho and the Central Mountains. Patchy smoke and haze are seen over East Idaho and the Clearwater Basin. This afternoon, winds will nudge areas of thick smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across South Idaho, while this area of patchy smoke moves into the Upper Snake River Plain. More clearing will be seen for North Idaho this evening as winds will push the thin smoke and haze southward. Overnight, thick smoke and haze will linger over the Central Mountains with areas of patchy to thick smoke for the Treasure Valley. Easterly winds will increase in the morning and provide intermittent clearing across the Snake River Plain.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 8, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Patchy smoke and haze are seen over South Idaho and portions of East Idaho. Light smoke and haze are seen in North Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory in Southern Idaho

 

Smoky and hazy just about everywhere

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range. Areas near regional and local fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of southern Idaho, the Central Mountains, and North Idaho. Later this afternoon, the smoke and haze will drift into southern and eastern Idaho, the southern portions of the Central Mountains, the Idaho Panhandle, and the Clearwater Basin. Overnight, smoke and haze will flow into eastern Idaho. As surface temperatures and winds increase tomorrow morning, limited dispersion will help clear the remaining patchy smoke and haze.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 9:21 a.m. MDT on August 7, 2024, shows patchy smoke and haze over the Central Mountains, southern and eastern Idaho, and North Idaho. The thickest smoke is seen over northern California and southwestern Oregon.

New fire starts after thunderstorms yesterday

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range with brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups near regional and local fires.

Patchy smoke and haze are currently seen across portions of the Treasure Valley, the Central Mountains, and North Idaho. Forecast models differ on the predicted concentrations of near surface smoke, as new fires ignited overnight in the region because of thunderstorms. Later this afternoon, westerly winds will nudge patchy smoke and haze into South Idaho and West Central Mountains from the northern California and Oregon fires. Likewise, patchy smoke and haze will drift into the Idaho Panhandle from the Washington and British Columbia fires and linger through the morning. Overnight the patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho will slowly wane while continuing to flow into East Idaho. As the surface temperatures increase tomorrow morning along with winds, limited dispersion will help clear out the remaining patchy smoke and haze.

RAP-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 9 p.m. MDT August 5, 2024 shows light to patchy smoke and haze across the state. Afternoon winds will push patchy smoke and haze into South Idaho, the Central Mountains, and the Idaho Panhandle this afternoon.

Some dispersion today followed by patchy smoke and haze tomorrow

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range with brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups near regional and local fires.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Snake River Plains and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North and East Idaho. Later this afternoon, southerly winds will help disperse near surface smoke and haze across South Idaho, East Idaho and the Central Mountains. This dispersion will continue for North Idaho in the late evening. Tomorrow morning, more patchy smoke and haze will travel into the Idaho Panhandle from Washington and Canada while patchy smoke will move in the Central Mountains and the Treasure Valley from Oregon.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6am MDT August 5, 2024 shows light to patchy smoke and haze across the state.

Smoke and haze to remain over the weekend

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range with brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Group near regional and local fires.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Snake River Plains and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North and East Idaho. Later this afternoon, the near surface smoke and haze will begin to thicken across most of the state before clearing takes place Saturday morning when surface temperature inversions break. Saturday afternoon, more patchy smoke and haze will move into the Idaho Panhandle from Washington. 

The calm conditions associated with the ridge will allow smoke and haze to remain over the state through the weekend. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until inversions break in the late mornings, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 12Z at 6am MDT August 2, 2024 shows patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains. Smoke from the Park Fire will continue to drift north into Oregon and Idaho. 

Light smoke and haze over most of the state this afternoon

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range, while areas around regional and local fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Snake River Plains and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North and East Idaho. Southerly winds are nudging smoke from the Park Fire in northern California into Oregon and South Idaho. By late afternoon, light smoke and haze will move over most of the state. The calm conditions associated with the ridge will allow more smoke and haze to loiter over the state overnight and for the subsequent days. As temperatures decrease overnight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until inversions break in the late mornings, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6am MDT August 1, 2024 shows patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains. Eventually most of the state will see light smoke and haze by the evening with areas of smoke near local fires.