07/08/15 Idaho DEQ Smoke Forecast

Updated 1000am MDT Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Valid through Noon MDT Thursday, July 9, 2015

Smoke Outlook

Air quality is forecast to remain in the Good to Moderate air quality category across the state, although short term readings will be higher in the Clearwater drainages and across the Idaho Panhandle from Benewah County north.  Conditions have improved across the state in comparison to yesterday’s data.  Currently there are no Air Quality Alerts issued by DEQ.

Northern Idaho is under an upper level ridge pattern today with stagnant atmospheric conditions.  This will limit regional impacts but also serve to heighten the impacts of local, low-level smoke already entrained within the area.  It is unlikely to lift much today as the ridge persists through this afternoon before late night thunderstorms develop and carry through into tomorrow with the passage of a weak cold front. Thursday looks to be a favorable day to mix smoke out of the region via rain scouring and convective lift associated with afternoon thunderstorms.  Southern Idaho will be influenced with scattered, wet thunderstorms that will develop across much of the Snake River Plain this afternoon, particularly across the Southern and Southeast Highlands.  Surface winds will be from the northwest-northeast across the Snake River Plain at 5-10 mph today.  Near thunderstorms, expect wind gusts up to 30 mph with erratic wind directions.  Similar conditions are expected through Thursday as fire activity will decrease with higher humidity values and increased cloud cover.

The strongest smoke impacts are occurring across the Idaho Panhandle and through the Hells Canyon and Clearwater drainages.  This will continue in the afternoon and evening today the upper level ridge limits dispersion and movement in central and northern Idaho.  Light impacts will also occur in the Lower Snake and Southern Highlands as smoke from fires burning in the Salmon River Mountains and Oregon drift into the region. Burnout operations are likely to take place on the Corner Creek Fire which may send increased amounts of smoke into the Lower and Upper Treasure Valley.

View DEQ near-real time monitoring at:  http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/

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.  Visit the Idaho Smoke Blog for more information at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/

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