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.
