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.

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.