A Smoky Start to the Weekend, with Improvement Possible Sunday

Wildfire smoke will remain widespread across Idaho today and Saturday, with moderate to heavy smoke expected in North Idaho and the Snake River Plain. Southwest Idaho and the North Idaho Panhandle may experience periods of particularly heavy smoke, while valleys and other low-lying areas could see worsening air quality overnight as smoke becomes trapped near the surface. Breezier conditions on Sunday should improve smoke dispersion, though winds may continue carrying smoke into Idaho from fires in Oregon and Washington.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 14:51 UTC (8:51 a.m. MDT) on 7 August 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

Smoke Lingers Across the Gem State

Wildfire smoke will remain widespread across Idaho today as smoke from fires across the Pacific Northwest continues to impact air quality.

Moderate to heavy smoke is expected across North Idaho, the Snake River Plain, and portions of southwest Idaho. While breezy afternoon conditions may provide some temporary improvement, smoke and haze will settle back into valleys and low-lying areas overnight as temperature inversions develop. Better mixing is expected Friday afternoon, but widespread smoke is likely to persist.

Stay up to date on current air quality conditions and any Air Quality Advisories by visiting Idaho DEQ's Outdoor Burn and Air Quality Map: https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Map/OutdoorBurn

Widespread smoke today

Air quality is forecast to range from GOOD to UNHEALTHY across the state today.

Near-surface smoke will remain widespread across the state and moderate smoke will persist across North Idaho and Snake River Plain today. 

Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys and other low-lying areas under strengthening surface-based temperature inversions. As temperatures begin to increase Thursday morning, inversions will begin to break and allow for better circulation across the state. Increased westerly winds by mid-day will also aid smoke dispersion.

RRFS-CONUS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 5 August 2026. 

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

No major changes yet - still smoky!

Unfortunately, smoke will remain widespread across the state today.

Moderate to moderately severe smoke will persist across North Idaho and the Snake River Plain today. Overnight, smoke and haze will settle into valleys and other low-lying areas under temperature inversions. As temperatures begin to increase tomorrow morning and inversions  break, we will experience increased circulation.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:31 UTC (9:31 a.m. MDT) on 4 August 2026