Minimal impacts with hazy conditions

Yesterday’s 24hr AQI data indicated good to moderate air quality across the state. Air quality forecasts for today are in the good category. 

Once again, we're lucky to not have any regional smoke for most of the day. Smoke from California fires will track north over the Pacific Ocean before turning east late this evening and into tomorrow. Smoke impacts are expected to be limited to areas near any local fires. In addition, there may be limited surface smoke in the Lower Treasure Valley this afternoon that will rise up during the afternoon and settle down in the evening. Generally hazy conditions with smoke aloft should be expected across the southwest and portions of central Idaho.

 

RAP-Smoke 12Z Vertically Integrated Smoke: Smoke will track north along the Pacific Coast with light smoke over the Lower Treasure Valley.  

Another clear day

Once again, the skies are looking clear for today. Air quality is forecast to be in the good category across the state today. 

Regional smoke is expected to stay out of Idaho while there may be some local smoke impacts from Idaho fires. These conditions look to persist through at least tomorrow morning. After that, upper level smoke is expected to enter central Idaho tomorrow morning but it looks to stay aloft. Beginning around 6pm MDT tomorrow, this lofted smoke will settle at the surface starting in Idaho County and tracking south to the fringes of the Snake River Plain.

HRRR-Smoke 06Z Vertically Integrated Smoke: Smoke will track north along the Pacific Coast before curling into central Idaho tomorrow morning.  This smoke is not expected to reach the surface and should stay aloft through the day tomorrow.

Clear day ahead

 Air quality is forecast to be good to moderate across the state today.

The air should be clear today aside from areas near local fires. These conditions will continue through at least tomorrow. Late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning could bring a change in wind direction and also bring smoke towards Idaho.

US EPA Airnow Real-Time Nowcast Map: Good air quality nowcasts are evident across the state of Idaho as well as the entire Pacific Northwest.  

Weekend looking pretty good!

Light smoke from California is expected to arrive in southwest Idaho by late morning and quickly spread across most of south Idaho this afternoon. Impacts should be short lived as a cold front coming through this evening will clear the air from west to east through the night. 

By Saturday morning, all areas should be free of smoke impacts with the exception of potential impacts near local fires, particularly the Woodhead fire in Washington County. Northwest flow will keep the state clear of regional smoke through the rest of the weekend.

HRRR-Smoke Experimental 00z near surface smoke model showing a final surge of California smoke entering Idaho Friday morning before clearing out by Saturday morning. Most areas should be smoke free through the remainder of the weekend.

Clearing out tonight and tomorrow morning

Air quality is forecast to be in the good to moderate category across the state today.

Smoke from north Idaho has cleared but south Idaho can expect more smoke today coming in from California. This smoke will traverse the Snake River Plain throughout the day and leaves the state to the east last this evening and early tomorrow morning.

Conditions are expected to be clear across the state tomorrow!

HRRR-Smoke 00z-Near Surface Smoke model: Indicates smoke entering south Idaho from Nevada and Oregon before tracking east and exiting the state late tonight.  Periods of moderate smoke are expected throughout the day across southern Idaho.

Waves of smoke throughout the day

Air quality was in the good to moderate range yesterday and today's 24 hour AQI is forecast to be good to moderate.

Pulses of smoke from California will continue to move into the state today interspersed with periods of clearing. This smoke is expected to continue to track north into the Central Idaho Mountains throughout the afternoon with a stronger secondary surge of smoke expected to reach the Idaho-Nevada border by around 2am tomorrow and reach the Snake River Plain by 7am tomorrow morning. 

Continued smoke impacts are expected across central Idaho today with increased impacts tonight around 10pm across that area, up to as far north as Clearwater County.  Beginning by 2am tomorrow morning, a strong frontal passage will clear smoke from northern and central Idaho through at least tomorrow.  Higher smoke impacts will be likely in the vicinity of local fires as well as in the morning and evening hours. 

HRRR-Smoke 00z-Near Surface Smoke model: Indicates smoke entering south Idaho from Nevada while a smoke plume is visible on the Woodhead fire in Washington County.  Periods of moderate smoke are expected throughout the day and into tomorrow before a strong clearing event develops.

Not too shabby out there

Air quality was good to moderate yesterday across the state and is forecast to be in the same range today. The smoke from California that moved into southern Idaho yesterday mostly remained aloft and little air quality degradation was noted at the surface. Waves of light to moderate smoke from California and Oregon look to continue moving into the state today. Again, how much of this smoke remains aloft and how much mixes down to the surface is an open question but at least widespread haze should be expected. Higher smoke impacts will be likely in the vicinity of local fires. 

NOAA-20 VIIRS visible “true color” satellite imagery from 9/22/20 showing light smoke entering south Idaho from Nevada while a smoke plume is visible on the Woodhead fire in Washington County. 

Smoke should be arriving later today

We hope everyone was able to enjoy some blue skies and clear air this weekend! Unfortunately, that will come to an end today as southwest flow returns. Smoke from California wildfires should begin arriving in southern Idaho later this morning and will spread northeastward across all but the Panhandle by this evening. It is still unclear how much of this smoke will actually mix down to the surface but some air quality degradation is expected across most of the state overnight into Tuesday morning as the smoke settles in after sunset. Widespread haze with smoke aloft is likely this afternoon.

Heavier impacts could occur in the vicinity of numerous wildfires burning in Idaho, particularly the Woodhead fire in Washington County. The only area expected to avoid smoke impacts today into tonight will be the Panhandle. 

HRRR-Smoke experimental 12Z run modeled vertically-integrated smoke concentrations valid at 4:00 PM MDT on Monday 9/21/20 showing moderate to heavy smoke over all of Idaho except the Panhandle. Most of this smoke is currently elevated but may settle down to the surface tonight.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Lifted for all of Idaho

 The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted the Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for all counties in Idaho.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution extended for some areas of Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Coeur d'Alene Regional Office has issued an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Boundary, Bonner, Benewah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties. The next update is expected Saturday, September 19th at 12:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Lewiston Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater and Idaho Counties off the Nez Perce Reservation. The next update is expected Saturday, September 19th at 12:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Twin Falls Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties. The next update is expected Monday, September 21st at 1:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Idaho Falls Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Custer and Lemhi counties. The next update is expected Monday, September 21st at 2:00 p.m.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Lifted For Southwestern Idaho and parts of Eastern Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Boise Regional Office has lifted an Air Quality Forecast and Caution for residents of Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties. 

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Idaho Falls Regional Office has lifted an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison and Teton counties.

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

 Friday, September 18, 2020, 10:00am

 Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

 The Air Quality Advisory issued for the Nez Perce Reservation is extended through Noon Saturday, September 19^th, 2020. Wildfire smoke from the Sunnyside Complex and fires in California/Oregon/Washington continue to impact our area. Air quality improvements are expected late Friday night into early Saturday morning; however, the amount of smoke clearing remains uncertain.

 Smoke may move in and out of the area depending on fire and wind activity; some areas may be more impacted than others. No EPA/NPT burn permits will be approved. This Advisory expires Noon Saturday, September 19^th, 2020 unless air quality conditions warrant a continuation.  

Air quality is currently in the “Unhealthy” category of the Air Quality Index. To track regional air quality, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog or the AirNow Website. For AQI health-related information, visit: AQI Basics. 

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare has two charts that may be of interest: Community Guide for Staying Healthy During Wildfire Events and School Activity Guidelines for Wildfire Smoke Events.

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.

Idaho Smoke Information Blog:  idsmoke.blogspot.com
AirNow Website: airnow.gov  
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 Air Quality Program

P.O. Box 365 | 109 Lolo St.| Lapwai, ID  83540

208-843-9381 | 1-800-720-4089 | Fax: 208-843-7411

airquality@nezperce.org | farr.npterwmairquality.org

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Brief relief on Sunday!

Get out your packs and boots! Get ready! Now wait...until Sunday. You'll get one day of relief so use it wisely!

Friday will be a transition day - it will still be smoky but as Saturday comes so will a deep trough from the Pacific. It will push through from southwest to northeast starting Friday night through Saturday morning. This cold front will bring a colder air mass that should scour the much of the smoke from the state. The exception (there's always an exception isn't there?) will be in proximity to the numerous wildfires currently burning across Idaho. Generally clear air should remain for Sunday before smoke begins to stream in again on Monday from the fires in California. Air quality will likely degrade on Monday, particularly in the southern half of the state.

To sum it up: smoky Friday, clearing Saturday, nice Sunday, smoky Monday.

HRRR-Smoke experimental 06Z run modeled near-surface smoke concentrations valid at 12:00 AM MDT on Sunday 9/20/20 showing clearing air across most of Idaho with the exception of areas in proximity to local wildfires. 

Air Quality Alert for Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Alert

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			8:00 AM Sept 18, 2020
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through today expecting improvements to air quality over the weekend.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 157 Unhealthy Range some improvement from yesterday, sensitive* people should be cautious and stay indoors. Avoid any outdoor activities until conditions improve. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same for most of the day.  Wind direction could reduce smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health this week.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wildfire smoke and building materials
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to dry conditions until further notice
Next Update:			Monday 9/21/2020 by 10 am
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com Community Guide for Staying Healthy During Wildfire Events   School Activity Guidelines for Wildfire Smoke Events. https://www.deq.idaho.gov/news-archives/air-nonessential-burning-update-covid-19-0320/

Relief may be on the horizon tomorrow

Idaho continues to be underneath a shroud of wildfire smoke from regional and local fire this morning. Once again, air quality is forecast to be in the moderate to very unhealthy range across Idaho - increasing in concentration gradient as you go north. 

Waves of smoke are moving across the state from the southwest to west and will continue to do so through the day. North Idaho saw some improvement yesterday and overnight but this trend looks unlikely to continue today. However, air quality may improve some this afternoon elsewhere as surface winds and mixing crease in the afternoon.

Some relief is possible beginning tomorrow evening with the arrival of the Pacific cold front.

GOES West visible “true color” satellite imagery from 8:51 AM MDT on 9/17/20 showing thick smoke across much of Idaho.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Extended for Northern Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Coeur d'Alene Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah and Shoshone counties outside of reservation boundaries. The next update is expected Friday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Extended for Southwestern and South-Central Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Boise Regional Office has extended an Air Quality Forecast and Caution for residents of Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties. The next update is expected Friday, September 18th at 3:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Twin Falls Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties. The next update is expected Friday, September 18th at 1:00 p.m.

Smoky through Friday

 Air quality across the state is currently forecast to be in the moderate to very unhealthy range - increasing in concentration as you move north. There still isn't much change in the weather pattern and we will continue to have sunny/hazy skies and light winds across the state through Thursday. Smoke continues to stream in from Oregon, Washington and California.

There may be some improvement this afternoon as mixing increases but overall little change is expected from yesterday. Southeast Idaho may even see some degradation in air quality as some of the smoke shifts east - though it may remain aloft through the day. 

Significant clearing is still not expected until at least Friday and even then, the clearing may be brief.

GOES West “true-color” visible satellite imagery from 8:21-9:16 AM MDT showing smoke entrenched in valleys across Idaho while more smoke streams in from the west and southwest.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Extended for Eastern Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Idaho Falls Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties. The next update is expected Friday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m.

More of the same today with minimal improvement

Overall, everything is looking about the same as it did yesterday. Air quality ranges from good in the southeast to very unhealthy in the north. There has been very little change in the weather pattern since yesterday and no significant changes are expected until Friday. 

North Idaho will continue to see thick smoke moving in from the Cascades but could see some gradual improvement today as a cold front approaches from the northeast which may allow some clearer air to mix in with the surface smoke. Southwest Idaho will see lesser, though still significant, impacts from smoke moving in from California. Southeast Idaho will again avoid all but the lightest impacts today. North Idaho should see some more gradual improvement 

Suomi VIIRS visible “true color” satellite imagery from 9/14/20 showing thick smoke across much of North Idaho and lesser smoke impacts in South Idaho.

Air Quality Alert - Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Alert

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			8:00 AM Sept 15, 2020
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through today and until the end of the week.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 198 Unhealthy Range some improvement from yesterday, sensitive* people should be cautious and stay indoors. Avoid any outdoor activities until conditions improve. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same for most of the day. Wind direction could reduce smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health this week.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wildfire smoke and building materials
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to dry conditions until further notice
Next Update:			Friday 9/18/2020 by 10 am
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com Community Guide for Staying Healthy During Wildfire Events   School Activity Guidelines for Wildfire Smoke Events. https://www.deq.idaho.gov/news-archives/air-nonessential-burning-update-covid-19-0320/

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Extended for Northern Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Coeur d'Alene Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Kootenai, Boundary, Bonner, Shoshone and Benewah Counties outside of tribal boundaries. The next updated is expected Wednesday, September 16th at 2:00 p.m. 

Air Quality Alert Issued for Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

         Air Quality Alert

        Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			8:00 AM Sept 14, 2020
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through today and into tomorrow.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 275 Very Unhealthy Range sensitive* people should be cautious and stay indoors, avoid any outdoor activities until conditions improve.   Air quality is expected to remain the same for most of the day. Wind direction could move smoke out of our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wildfire smoke and building materials
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to dry conditions until further notice
Next Update:			Tuesday 9/15/2020 by 10 am
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com Community Guide for Staying Healthy During Wildfire Events   School Activity Guidelines for Wildfire Smoke Events.