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.