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.