Updated 1400 MDT Thursday, July 2, 2015
Valid through Noon MDT Monday, July 6, 2015
Smoke Outlook
Air quality is forecast to remain in the Good to Moderate air quality category through the weekend.
Aloft, Idaho is currently under an upper level ridge pattern which will continue into this weekend. This will continue to promote warm temperatures and light surface winds. By Saturday, the ridge will flatten as an upper level low pressure system approaches the southern California coast. This will allow monsoon moisture to enter our air sheds. We will see slightly cooler temperatures (but still above normal), with winds at the surface from 5-15mph and a chance for afternoon thunderstorms over the higher elevation regions. The increased moisture content of the atmosphere over this time may also provide for a few more clouds in the sky.
Light haze and associated impacts can be expected across most of the state of Idaho ranging from the Clearwater Basin and north into the Idaho Panhandle through Monday. Furthermore, night time drainage smoke from that region may also impact the Treasure Valley Friday morning, while once the weekend hits, this smoke will drain into the Upper Snake on Saturday morning. Regional smoke impacts will also be evident as fires continue to burn in Central Washington, central Oregon, and southern California.
Wildfire forecast will remain valid through above date unless conditions become unrepresentative.
Please be aware of and utilize the Smoke Complaint Hotline at 1-800-345-1007.
To find an air quality forecast for your area, visit the DEQ's Daily Air Quality Reports and Forecasts webpage.
View real time smoke monitoring at: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_wildfires
View DEQ near-real time monitoring at: http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/
To find information on wildfire activity, visit Inciweb
Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather. If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur. When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities. Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors. Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information.
Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be good.
AQI Category
|
Visibility (miles)
|
Good
|
11+
|
Moderate
|
6-10
|
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
|
3-5
|
Unhealthy
|
1½ -2¾
|
Very Unhealthy
|
1-1¼
|
Hazardous
|
Less than 1
|
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