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.

Some improvement this morning but smoke still lingering

Near-surface smoke will remain widespread across the state as ongoing wildfire activity across the Pacific Northwest continues to generate and transport smoke eastward. Heavy to moderate smoke will persist across North Idaho and the Snake River Plain today. Overnight, smoke continues to circulate over Idaho, with the highest near-surface concentrations seen across southwestern Idaho and the panhandle of north Idaho. Moderate to light smoke will continue tomorrow as strong westerly winds continue to carry the smoke eastward.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:36 UTC (9:36 a.m. MDT) on 10 August 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over northeast Washington, parts of Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.