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.