Looks good for long weekend!

Oh man, it is looking pretty good out there. And just in time for the long weekend. Up north, you may notice the winds shift a bit and they may bring some smoke from the Canadian and Washington fires but any impacts should be minimal. Central Idaho is looking pretty good too – fire activity is lower which has resulted in less smoke settling in lowland areas at night. We’re not out of the woods yet, but you will likely avoid any significant smoke buildup in that area today and over the weekend.

Down south, winds will increase with possible gusts up to 25mph in south-central Idaho. For the rest of southern Idaho, a consistent flow over the weekend is expected. This may filter some smoke from Idaho fires into Idaho Falls and some points to the west later today with only limited, minimal impacts likely from Arco to Haley.

Lucky for all of us – especially those of you planning to spend some time in the great outdoors this weekend, no significant or long-term buildup of smoke is expected through the weekend throughout the state. The weather pattern appears to keep the air moving around enough to limit long-term buildup, but there may be some minor impacts on Labor Day. So go forth and wander (safely of course)!

This image is taken from the DEQ webcam on Teaken Butte, located in Nez Perce County, Idaho. 

Fires still burning, bringing back a little smoke

It will get breezy again today. Up in the North, smoke that has come into the region overnight will clear out as the day goes on.  Expect it to be dry and warm in the southwestern part of the state. Some smoke will come over from the Oregon fires still burning into the Snake River Plain. It will mostly stay up higher as it moves from west to east towards Mountain Home but you won’t completely escape surface smoke impacts. In the Lemhi County area, winds are likely to get gusty and unfortunately this could cause increased fire activity which would contribute to more smoke for Salmon and other communities in that region.

This image shows potential for smoke transport from Oregon impacting surface in SW Idaho this evening. The Canadian fire smoke is anticipated to miss the Panhandle.

HRRR-Near Surface Smoke depicts 8/30 at 23:00 UTC (5pm MDT 8/30). Data Source: NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory

Breezy day could bring a little haze

Breezy southwest winds are on their way into the Panhandle and the North Central area this afternoon and into Thursday. Winds will likely continue to be breezy on Thursday. Some protected valley locations could expect variable wind conditions especially the further south you go into Central Idaho. Any fires in the path of the gusty winds could become more active.

Overnight smoke could settle into the Purcell Trench but should be short lived. Winds could bring light some smoke into the southwest Idaho area. This could mean hazy skies and perhaps a little surface smoke impact but don’t expect much buildup to occur. 

Smoke impacts from wildfires are not expected today, although anywhere near local fires could see slight increases in smoke especially during the overnight hours. Ventilation looks good throughout the day limiting any smoke buildup in most areas. Areas through the lower Snake River Plain may see less impressive ventilation conditions.

This image shows smoke transport from Washington and Oregon fires that could pass over Idaho overnight.

HRRR-Vertically Integrated Smoke depict 8/30 at 5:00 UTC (11pm MDT 8/29). Data Source: NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory

No smoke today!

Hooray! The sky is clear today. Look at that beautiful state of ours!  Get outside while you can!

Any smoke that is out there today is expected to be extremely localized and greatest over the Panhandle while the rest of the state is clear clear clear! There could be some drainage into the Arco Desert and the Middle Snake from the fires burning in the Central Idaho Mountains. Tomorrow, the smoke from those Central Idaho Mountain fires is likely to drain into the Middle Snake River Plain and the move west within the Snake River plain through the evening and there may be some smoke over southwestern Idaho.

This image shows that no smoke is forecast to be present over Idaho this evening throughout the entire atmospheric column.

HRRR-Smoke Vertically integrated smoke concentrations initialized at 00 UTC 08/28 and valid at 23 UTC (5pm MDT) 08/28. Data Source: NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Lifted

All counties that were previously under an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution have been lifted due to improved air quality. Air quality is expected to remain improved today and tomorrow. For more information, click the link for your regional DEQ office.

Boise - Ada, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington County
Twin Falls- Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls, Blaine, Camas 
Pocatello -Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Power, Oneida
Idaho Falls - Bonneville, Butte, Jefferson, Madison, Clark, Fremont, Teton 
Lewiston - Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Idaho Counties, river corridors and surrounding areas off the Nez Perce Reservation
Coeur d'Alene - Boundary, Bonner, Shoshone, Kootenai, Benewah 

DEQ Lifts Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for Magic Valley and Wood River Valley

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Lifted

Date/Time Issued: Monday, August 27, 2018/12:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties of improved air quality.  Due to improved air quality, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING LIFTED. Air quality is currently in the GOOD category and is forecast to Good to Moderate categories. Note: air quality is likely to change drastically with slight changes in weather conditions and fire behavior. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is good, air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Woodstove  Burning Restrictions

No Restrictions

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

Open burning restrictions have been lifted in accordance with the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Twin Falls at (208) 736-2190.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.

For more information concerning local ordinances contact your local city or county.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

 

For more information on the AQI, visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.

For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

* Sensitive groups include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children.

 

 

Monday, August 27, 2018, 10:00am

Air Quality Advisory Lifted on the Nez Perce Reservation

Air quality has improved throughout the Nez Perce Reservation. The Air Quality Advisory is lifted.

Affected Areas: All areas on the Nez Perce Reservation.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Category: All areas on the Nez Perce Reservation are currently in the “Good” category of the Air Quality Index.

For AQI health-related information, visit www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=pubs.aqguidepart.

Sensitive groups include:

• Infants, children, pregnant women, elders
• People who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors)
• People with existing health conditions or chronic diseases like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, COPD or diabetes.

Restrictions: No restrictions.

Idaho Smoke Information Blog:  idsmoke.blogspot.com

Idaho Fire Information Blog:  idahofireinfo.com

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare:  Wildfire Smoke and Your Health

Idaho Smoke Information Hotline:  1-800-345-1007

Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality Program

208-843-9381 | 1-800-720-4089

airquality@nezperce.org | www.nezperce.org

Follow us on Facebook

Clearing at last!

Look up! There may be showers and it may be mostly cloudy to cloudy over most of the state today but there are bits of blue showing through!!

Smoke is extremely localized today and of course will be greatest over the Panhandle, though those impacts are considerably improved compared to previous days. The rest of the state is expected to continue to improve today. This evening, over the Panhandle, smoke will settle as the sun sets. Tomorrow, smoke from the fires in the Central Idaho Mountains will drain into the Middle Snake River plain and move west within the Snake River Plain through the evening and into early Tuesday. This smoke drainage could reach as far west as Boise, Garden Valley, and Idaho City.

Go outside (with an umbrella if necessary) and soak up the good air while it lasts.

This image shows Good to Moderate air quality readings across the state.

Data Source:  DEQ Real time air quality network  Nowcast data for 08/27/2018.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Lifted

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Lifted

Date/Time Issued: Monday, August 27, 2018/9:00 a.m. 

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted an Air Quality Advisory and Stage 1 Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Power and Oneida Counties of improved air quality.  Due to improved air quality, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING LIFTED. Air quality has dramatically improved due to the cold front moving into the area. Air quality is currently in the GOOD category and is forecast to remain in the good category through tomorrow. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is good, air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.  

Woodstove  Burning Restrictions

No Restrictions 

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

Open burning restrictions have been lifted in accordance with local ordinances and the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).  

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Pocatello at (208) 236-6160.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.

For more information concerning local ordinances contact your local city or county.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

For more information on the AQI, visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.

For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

* Sensitive groups include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Lifted

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Lifted

Date/Time Issued: Monday, August 27, 2018/10 a.m.

Next Update: as needed

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Bonneville, Butte, Jefferson, Madison, Clark, Fremont, and Teton counties of improved air quality.  Due to improved air quality, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING LIFTED. Air quality is currently in the GOOD category and is forecast to range from Good to Moderate. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is moderate, air quality is acceptable; however, people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience health impacts and should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Woodstove  Burning Restrictions

No Restrictions

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

Open burning restrictions have been lifted in accordance with the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Idaho Falls at (208) 528-2650.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.

For more information concerning local ordinances contact your local city or county.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

For more information on the AQI, visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.

For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

* Sensitive groups include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children.

Idaho DEQ has Lifted an Air Quality Forecast & Caution for the Southwest Idaho Area

Air Pollution Forecast &Caution Lifted

Date/Time Issued: Monday, August 26, 2018/11:00 a.m.

Next Update: As Needed Due To Air Quality Conditions

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Ada, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington County of improved air quality.  Due to improved air quality, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING LIFTED. Air quality is currently in the MODERATE category and has shown steady improvement over the past 24-hour period. The pollutants of concern are Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Ozone.

Woodstove Burning Restrictions

Residential wood burning activities have been lifted. Please note local city/county burn restrictions may still apply.  Contact your local city/county office for more information.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

Open burning restrictions have been lifted in accordance with the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550). Please note local city/county burn restrictions may still apply.  Contact your local city/county office for more information.

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is moderate, air quality is acceptable; however, people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience health impacts and should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Boise at (208) 373-0550.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.

 

 

Weekend Smoke Outlook

Smoke models are suggesting improvement across central Idaho and southwest Idaho Saturday.  The Panhandle from Coeur d'Alene and north will continue to receive impacts from Canadian wildfires and will not benefit from the general improvement.  Transport winds look to bring smoke into central Idaho to as far south as Latah County, so expect hazy conditions in the afternoon Saturday there. Eastern and south-central Idaho will continue to see impacts Saturday as a southwesterly wind transports smoke into the area.  Additionally south of a line from Island Park to Boise should expect to see haze aloft Saturday so improvements to the monitors across the southwest are not expected to last through today with values increasing tonight.  Smoke will enter the Lower Snake late this afternoon and spread to the east.

Northwesterly winds Sunday will shift smoke south into central Idaho and will provide southern Idaho an opportunity for clearing for the day.  Sunday evening into Monday, drainage into the Upper Snake from fires burning in central Idaho will bring smoke into eastern Idaho, but clearing is expected across the state from the Panhandle and south on Monday with the Panhandle being the only region likely to remain heavily impacted.