Clear skies?....well clear of smoke but not the rain

Near-surface smoke will remain very limited across much of Idaho today as continued unsettled weather, breezy winds, and precipitation provide good dispersion. Areas of light smoke and haze will persist across portions of North and Central Idaho, with moderate concentrations near active wildfires. Across South Idaho, much of the Snake River Plain and East Idaho will remain relatively clear, while a diffuse plume of light smoke lingers across portions of southwest Idaho and the Great Basin. 

Overnight into Friday morning, continued westerly to southwesterly flow and periods of precipitation will further reduce widespread near-surface smoke. Most smoke impacts will become confined to active wildfires and immediately downwind areas, with only scattered light smoke across portions of North and Central Idaho. South Idaho should remain largely free of widespread smoke, with any remaining Great Basin plume becoming increasingly diffuse.

Friday, cooler temperatures, scattered showers, and continued mixing will provide very good smoke dispersion across the state. The RRFS shows little organized near-surface smoke over Idaho, with only isolated light smoke near active fires and small pockets of transported smoke passing through portions of Central and East Idaho. Overall air quality should continue to improve, although localized impacts will remain possible near active wildfires. The highest AQI levels are expected near active wildfires, where periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality are possible. 

RRFS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 3 September 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 3 September 2026

Good dispersion conditions on the way

Near-surface smoke will remain relatively limited across much of Idaho today as strong south to southwesterly flow and increasingly unsettled weather provides good dispersion. Areas of light smoke and haze will persist across portions of North and Central Idaho, with moderate concentrations near active wildfires. Across South Idaho, much of the Snake River Plain and East Idaho will remain relatively clear. A plume of smoke extending northward from California and southeast Oregon will continue affecting portions of southwest Idaho this afternoon, with mainly light to moderate concentrations. 

Overnight into Thursday morning, strengthening southwesterly flow and increasing precipitation will continue dispersing and transporting smoke northeastward. The plume across southwest Idaho will weaken considerably, leaving mainly light smoke across portions of southwest and south-central Idaho. Light smoke will remain scattered across North and Central Idaho, although increased concentrations may persist near active wildfires. Much of the state should be relatively free of widespread near-surface smoke by Thursday morning.

On Thursday, widespread showers, embedded thunderstorms, and breezy southwesterly winds will provide very good smoke dispersion across much of Idaho. The RRFS shows little widespread near-surface smoke remaining across North and Central Idaho, with impacts becoming increasingly confined to active wildfires and immediately downwind areas. Some light smoke transported northeastward from the Great Basin may pass through portions of South and East Idaho, but significant accumulation is not expected. Localized smoke impacts will remain possible near active wildfires, but overall air quality should improve as cooler, wetter, and breezy conditions continue. The highest AQI levels are expected near active wildfires, where periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality are possible.

RRFS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 2 September 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 2 September 2026 

Relatively limited surface smoke today

Near-surface smoke will remain relatively limited across much of Idaho today, with localized impacts near active wildfires and a more organized area of smoke moving into western Idaho. Areas of light smoke and haze are expected across portions of North and Central Idaho, with moderate concentrations near active fires. Across South Idaho, much of the Snake River Plain and East Idaho will remain comparatively clear, while south to southwesterly flow transports smoke northward from California into southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho. Light to moderate smoke is expected to spread across portions of southwest and west-central Idaho this afternoon. 

Overnight into Wednesday morning, continued south to southwesterly flow will carry the California smoke plume northward through western Idaho. Light to moderate smoke may extend from southwest Idaho into the West Central Mountains, while smoke concentrations gradually decrease farther south as the plume shifts northward. Areas of light smoke will also persist across North and Central Idaho, with localized moderate concentrations near active wildfires. Much of East Idaho should remain relatively clear of widespread near-surface smoke.

Wednesday, strengthening southwesterly winds and increasing shower and thunderstorm activity should improve smoke dispersion across much of the state. The plume affecting western Idaho will become increasingly diffuse as it shifts north and northeast, leaving mainly light smoke and haze across portions of southwest and Central Idaho by Wednesday afternoon. North Idaho will continue to see areas of light smoke with localized higher concentrations near active fires. Gusty winds and thunderstorm outflows may cause rapid localized changes in plume direction, but widespread smoke accumulation should remain limited. The highest AQI levels are expected near active wildfires with periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality are possible.

RRFS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 1 September 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 1 September 2026

Light smoke and haze today; rain may be on the way this week

Near-surface smoke will be relatively limited across much of Idaho today, with the greatest impacts remaining near active wildfires. Areas of light smoke and haze are expected across portions of North and Central Idaho, with moderate to heavy concentrations near active fires. North Idaho will see scattered areas of light smoke, particularly across the Panhandle, while light smoke and haze impact portions of the Central Mountains. Across South Idaho, most areas will remain relatively clear of widespread near-surface smoke, although wildfire plumes will continue across portions of southwest Idaho and near active fires.

Overnight into Tuesday morning, smoke will remain generally localized as winds decrease and concentrations become more terrain driven. Smoke may settle into valleys and sheltered areas near active wildfires across North and Central Idaho, producing moderate concentrations. The RRFS model also shows smoke from southeast Oregon expanding toward southwest Idaho overnight, with light to moderate smoke potentially reaching portions of the western Idaho border and southwest Idaho by Tuesday morning. The Snake River Plain and East Idaho should remain comparatively less impacted.

Tuesday, increasing south to southwesterly flow will push additional smoke northward from southeast Oregon into southwest and west-central Idaho. Light to moderate smoke may become more widespread across portions of southwest Idaho and the West Central Mountains during the afternoon, with heavier concentrations near active fires and immediately downwind. Scattered light smoke will continue across North and Central Idaho, while much of East Idaho remains relatively clear. Increasing winds Tuesday afternoon and evening should keep smoke moving and limit widespread accumulation, although rapidly changing plume directions will be possible near active wildfires. The highest AQI levels are expected near active wildfires and within localized smoke plumes, where periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality are possible.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:21 UTC (9:21 a.m. MDT) on 31 August 2026

Smokier in the Panhandle; East Idaho relatively less impacted

Light to moderate smoke is expected across much of North and north-Central Idaho, including portions of the Central Mountains, with heavier concentrations across portions of the Panhandle and near active wildfires. Across South Idaho, generally light smoke and haze are expected across portions of southwest Idaho and the Snake River Plain. Localized wildfire plumes will continue near the Owyhee Mountains and the Magic Valley, while much of East Idaho remains comparatively less impacted. 

Overnight into Friday morning, increasing southwest to westerly winds will push smoke eastward and make concentrations more variable across the state. Smoke will remain widespread across portions of North and Central Idaho, with moderate to heavy concentrations near active wildfires and across parts of the Panhandle. Smoke may still settle into sheltered valleys where winds decrease overnight. South Idaho will remain comparatively less impacted, although smoke from fires in southwest and south-central Idaho may briefly spread downwind.

Continued mixing and breezy winds Friday should improve dispersion across much of Idaho, but light to moderate smoke will persist across portions of North and Central Idaho. The heaviest smoke will remain concentrated near active wildfires, particularly across the Panhandle and adjacent areas, where shifting winds may rapidly change plume direction and temporarily increase concentrations downwind. Increasing moisture and showers across portions of South Idaho Friday into Saturday should further limit widespread near-surface smoke there. The highest AQI levels are expected across North and Central Idaho and near active wildfires, where periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality are possible.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 27 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 27 August 2026

Generally light to moderate smoke across the state (East Idaho mostly spared!)

Light to moderate smoke is expected across much of North Idaho and the Central Mountains, with pockets of heavier smoke across portions of the Panhandle, north-central Idaho, and near active wildfires. Across South Idaho, generally light smoke and haze will affect portions of southwest Idaho and the Snake River Plain. Smoke from fires in and near the Owyhee Mountains will produce localized plumes of moderate to heavy smoke, particularly near the mountains and immediately downwind, while much of East Idaho remains comparatively less impacted.

Overnight into Thursday morning, light to moderate smoke will remain widespread across North and Central Idaho and settle into valleys and low-lying areas, with heavier smoke near active wildfires. Smoke across the Owyhee Mountains and southwest Idaho will remain more localized, with concentrations increasing in valleys and sheltered areas near active fires overnight. By Thursday morning, light smoke and haze will persist across portions of southwest Idaho and the Snake River Plain, while North and Central Idaho remain the most broadly impacted areas.

Daytime mixing and increasing southwest to westerly winds Thursday will improve smoke dispersion across much of the state and begin shifting smoke eastward. Light to moderate smoke will continue across portions of North and Central Idaho, but concentrations should become more variable as winds increase ahead of the approaching trough and dry cold front. Moderate to heavy smoke will remain possible near active wildfires, and stronger winds may rapidly change plume direction and temporarily increase smoke concentrations downwind of fires. South and East Idaho should remain comparatively less impacted outside of localized wildfire plumes and periods of light smoke and haze. The highest AQI levels are expected across North and Central Idaho and near active wildfires, where periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality are possible.

RRFS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 26 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 26 August 2026

Light to moderate smoke continues across much of Idaho

Light to moderate smoke is expected across much of North Idaho, with heavier smoke near wildfires and in parts of the Panhandle and north-central Idaho. Smoke will also reach the Central and West Central Mountains. South Idaho will see light smoke and haze, with some areas of light to moderate smoke in the Owyhee Mountains. East Idaho should see less smoke.

Overnight into Wednesday, smoke will settle into valleys and low areas in North Idaho and portions of the Central Mountains and Southwest Idaho. Areas near wildfires may see heavier smoke. Wednesday’s winds should help clear some smoke, but North and Central Idaho will continue to see light to moderate smoke.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North and Central Idaho and near wildfires. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality is possible. South and East Idaho should be less affected. Stronger winds Wednesday into Thursday should improve conditions, but smoke may remain near wildfires.

RRFS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 25 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 25 August 2026

Some increase in smoke today in North and Central Idaho

Smoke will increase across North and Central Idaho today. Light to moderate smoke will be widespread across North Idaho, with heavier smoke near wildfires and in parts of the Panhandle and north-central Idaho. Light to moderate smoke will also reach the Central and West Central Mountains. South and East Idaho will stay mostly clear, but some smoke and haze may reach southwest Idaho and the Snake River Plain.

Overnight into Tuesday morning, smoke will settle into valleys and low areas across North and Central Idaho. Moderate smoke is expected in some areas, with heavier smoke near wildfires. Some smoke and haze may spread farther south. Winds and daytime mixing Tuesday will improve conditions, but light to moderate smoke will remain across much of North and Central Idaho.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:21 UTC (9:21 a.m. MDT) on 24 August 2026

Improvements coming this weekend

Light to moderate smoke will continue across North Idaho today, with heavier smoke possible near the Panhandle and active wildfires. Central Idaho will also see some smoke, while South and East Idaho should stay mostly clear.

Smoke will remain widespread overnight into Saturday morning and may settle in valleys and low areas. Winds, showers, and thunderstorms will help clear the smoke Saturday afternoon. Gusty winds near storms may cause quick changes in smoke levels and direction.

Breezy winds Saturday night into Sunday will continue to improve air quality. Smoke should decrease across most of Idaho by Sunday, though some smoke may remain near wildfires and settle into valleys overnight.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho and near active wildfires today through Saturday morning. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality is possible. Air quality should improve later Saturday and Sunday.

RRFS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 21 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 21 August 2026

Air Quality Advisory Issued for Portions of the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Panhandle to see greatest impacts today

Smoke will continue across North and parts of Central Idaho today, with the heaviest smoke in the Panhandle and near wildfires. South and East Idaho should stay mostly clear.

Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys, with moderate smoke expected in the Panhandle and heavier smoke possible near the Canadian border. Some improvement is expected Thursday, but smoke will linger across North and Central Idaho.

UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality is possible near wildfires and in parts of North and Central Idaho. 

EPA Lifts the Kootenai Reservation Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban

Air quality on the Kootenai Reservation has improved and, in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its Air Quality Advisory and Ban on Open Burning for the Reservation, effective immediately. 

Other restrictions on open burning remain in place, including those for fire danger, by Reservation officials or any federal agencies. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate Tribal agency.        

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on Tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit the FARR website. 

Clearer skies continuing; some mild impacts in North Idaho

North Idaho will see light to moderate smoke, with more impacts possible in the Panhandle and near wildfires. Central Idaho will see mostly light smoke, with some moderate smoke in the Central Mountains. South and East Idaho should remain mostly clear.

Overnight into Wednesday, smoke from Washington and British Columbia will spread into North Idaho, bringing more moderate smoke to the Panhandle. Light smoke may also spread into Central Idaho, while South and East Idaho remain mostly clear. Wednesday afternoon winds should improve conditions somewhat, but light to moderate smoke will continue across North Idaho.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho, portions of Central Idaho,
and near wildfires. Some areas could briefly reach UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS levels.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 18 August 2026. 

Air Quality Advisory Lifted for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Blue skies visible!

Light smoke will remain across North and parts of Central Idaho today, especially in the Panhandle and near active wildfires. South and East Idaho should stay mostly clear.

Smoke will settle into valleys overnight, with some improvement Tuesday as winds increase. The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho, parts of Central Idaho, and near active wildfires, with some areas possibly reaching UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS levels.

Source: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 17 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 17 August 2026

Stay calm! It's happening (for most of us) -- clearer skies on the horizon

While some light smoke will be present for at times this weekend in North and Central Idaho today, South and East Idaho will stay mostly hazy or clear.

Overnight, smoke and haze will settle into valleys across North and Central Idaho. Saturday, showers and afternoon winds may help improve conditions though light to locally moderate smoke will still be possible in North Idaho through the weekend - mainly near active fires.

By Monday, stronger winds should help clear some of the smoke. However, smoke will continue near active wildfires. The highest AQI levels are expected in North and Central Idaho and near active fires. UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality is possible at times.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 14 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 14 August 2026

Some smoke persists but conditions are improving in south and east Idaho

Today, North and Central Idaho will see the most smoke, especially near active wildfires. South and East Idaho should see improving conditions and mostly light smoke.

Tonight, smoke and haze will settle into valleys and low-lying areas, especially across North and Central Idaho. Conditions should improve Friday afternoon as winds, moisture, and daytime heating help clear the air. However, moderate to heavy smoke may continue in parts of North Idaho.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho and near active wildfires, where UNHEALTHY air quality is possible. Parts of Central Idaho and the West Central Mountains could see periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality. 

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 13 August 2026. 

Improving conditions expected tomorrow for southern Idaho

Near-surface smoke will remain widespread in Idaho with moderate to heavy smoke across parts of North and Central Idaho today and lighter smoke across much of South and East Idaho.

Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys and low areas, causing air quality to worsen in parts of North and Central Idaho and the Snake River Plain. Winds and daytime mixing will slowly improve conditions Thursday afternoon, especially across South and East Idaho. Moderate smoke will remain in parts of North and Central Idaho.

The highest AQI levels today are expected in North and Central Idaho and near active wildfires. Periods of UNHEALTHY air quality are possible in these areas. Parts of the West Central Mountains, Lemhi County, and the Snake River Plain could see periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:36 UTC (9:36 a.m. MDT) on 12 August 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over northeast Washington, parts of Central Oregon, and most of Idaho. Clouds are visible over South and East Idaho.

Coeur d'Alene Tribe Lifts Air Quality Advisory

 

Limited clearing this afternoon

Smoke will remain widespread across Idaho today as wildfires in the Pacific Northwest continue to send smoke into the state. Moderate to heavy smoke will continue across North Idaho and the Snake River Plain, with only limited clearing this afternoon. Overnight, smoke will build in valleys and low areas as temperatures drop, causing air quality to worsen. Conditions should improve Wednesday afternoon as winds help clear the smoke. 

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho and near wildfires, where UNHEALTHY air quality is possible. The western Snake River Plain, West Central Mountains, and Lemhi County may see brief periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality.

RRFS-CONUS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 11 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 11 August 2026 shows smoke and haze from Oregon and Washington drifting into Idaho.