End of daily posting for 2021

Well, folks, we've made it to the end more or less. There are still some fires burning around Idaho in our neighboring states but it seems we've reached the end of significant smoke impacts. We will not be posting daily for the rest of this year and our fingers are crossed for a mild season next  year!

In the meantime, please check our regional air quality forecasting page for daily air quality information.

We've also just launched a new air quality mobile app, AIR Idaho, to provide forecasted and current air quality information to help protect your health during poor air quality episodes! The AIR Idaho app features air quality information relative to your location as well as an interactive real-time map that displays data from over 30 monitoring stations across the state. It also provides a three-day forecast detailing whether the air quality is expected to deteriorate and if there are times when air quality is expected to be better.

The app also features real-time information related open burning restrictions, a list of regional and statewide air quality resources, tips to stay safe during a smoke or inversion event, and information on how you can help protect our air.

Users can download the app for free at the App Store for iPhone or Google Play and select a location to receive information for a specific area. Enable notifications to receive information on local air quality advisories and burn restrictions. Use your phone’s location services to receive information for your area; or select a default county if you do not use your phone’s location.

Clear day today

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Moderate Category.

No major smoke impacts are expected today outside of the Eastern and Southeast Highlands where hazy skies may develop from time to time.  A chance for showers in that area today will limit any long-duration impacts from smoke. A change in wind patterns may bring smoke back to southern Idaho on September 22nd. 

 

Video: Near surface smoke from the Canadian FireWork model initialized at 00Z (06pm 09/19 MDT).

Windy weekend ahead

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category. 

Today, smoke aloft from regional fires will move into Idaho, expanding from central Idaho south of Lewiston to the UT/NV border. The highest smoke concentrations will be within the central Idaho mountains due to the combination of the regional smoke and smoke from local sources. On Saturday, brief impacts can be expected across the Lower Treasure Valley as smoke tracks to the northeast. Precipitation and breezy winds will provide clearing in some regions. Regions that remain dry with slower winds will see greater smoke impacts while other regions with higher winds and precipitation should improve.

Video: Canadian FireWork Near Surface Smoke Model initialized at 00Z (09/16 6pm MDT) and shows smoke increasing across Idaho through the weekend with short duration impacts as an active weather pattern helps to alleviate any increases in concentrations.

Smoke near fires, clear elsewhere

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Aloft smoke continues to sit along the southern Idaho border with Nevada but is not moving north into the state. Smoke impacts will be highest near local fires.

 

Video: Canadian Firework model initialized at 00Z (06pm MDT 09/15/21) and shows smoke along the south Idaho border. 

Some smoke aloft but clear at ground level

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category. 

Smoke aloft will move in over southern Idaho, but conditions near the ground will remain clear today. Tomorrow morning, smoke will begin to drop to the surface over the elevated terrain of the Southeast Highlands before tracking south.

 

Video: HRRR-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 12Z (06am MDT) and valid at 12Z (06am 09/16/21) shows increased smoke at the surface over the Southeast Highlands and parts of the central Idaho mountains.

Another clear day

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Wind speeds help to keep smoke moving and prevent any stagnation. Areas of concern are limited to those in the vicinity of active fires. Breezy conditions tomorrow will continue to keep air quality in the good and moderate range. Some smoke is evident on satellite imagery along the ID/NV/UT border.

Video: HRRR Smoke Vertically Integrated Smoke product initialized at 12Z  (06am MDT)

Air Quality Update - Coeur d’Alene Reservation

 

Time / Date:			9:30 AM Sept 13, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Stage II Notice lifted 8/27/21 Fire danger still in the HIGH category  CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions can improve with wind direction in our favor through this week as new systems move in. Chance of rain this weekend.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  =  18 Good range Everyone should be cautious of changes, Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same next couple of days. Wind direction could decrease smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			None at this time
Next Update:			When conditions change
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 http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17

EPA Lifts Ban on Open Burning for Fort Hall Reservation

Seattle – (Monday, Sept. 13, 2021) -- Air quality has improved and in coordination with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its ban on open burning for the reservation effective immediately.   

Restrictions on open burning, including those for fire danger, by the tribe or other federal agencies remain in place. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency.        

EPA thanks all reservation residents for their cooperation in protecting and maintaining good air quality.              

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans.  

Clear day with possibility for slight haze in the south

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Conditions across the state have improved dramatically since Friday. There may be slight increases in haze across eastern and southeast Idaho as smoke aloft sits along the ID/NV/UT border. Any significant smoke impacts will be in the vicinity of active fires.

Video: HRRR Smoke Vertically Integrated Smoke initialized at 12Z (6am MDT) and valid 21Z (3pm MDT) shows relatively clear conditions throughout the atmosphere with smoke along the southern border of the state.

Air Quality Advisory Lifted for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Air Quality Advisory issued for Northern Idaho

 

Clearing tomorrow followed by hazy skies

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category.

Smoke will clear this afternoon across southern Idaho but will continue to affect central and north Idaho.

Smoke will clear across the state tomorrow with pockets of increased concentrations in the central Idaho mountains near active fires. Smoke will also move into the Middle and Upper Snake River Plain tomorrow afternoon with continued high concentrations throughout the day on Saturday over Lemhi and Custer Counties. 

On Sunday, hazy conditions are expected throughout the state. Southwest Idaho will see smoke rapidly increase and enter the Treasure Valley and western Magic Valley by 6pm.

 

Video: 00Z (06pm MDT 09/09/21) initialized Near Surface Smoke from the Canadian FireWork model shows smoke transport across central Idaho today with clearing across southern Idaho today and into tomorrow before smoke returns on Saturday to southern Idaho.  Central and North Idaho will begin to clear tomorrow.

Air quality improves in south central Idaho but still deteriorated in Custer and Lemhi counties and southwest Idaho

 

 

More impacts today, improvements tomorrow

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Unhealthy Category.

Southerly winds will funnel smoke into Idaho, impacting the southwest part of the state. Impacts from local fires in the Central Idaho mountains will keep smoke within the Salmon River drainages. Smoke will track north into central and northern Idaho today. Conditions should begin to clear today across the Middle and Upper Snake River Plain and the surrounding highlands. Other areas will see improvements tomorrow.

Video: HRRR Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 12Z (06am MDT) and valid 21Z (3pm MDT) shows clearing in southeast and eastern Idaho with smoke across all of central and southwest Idaho.

Air quality improves in southeast Idaho; still deteriorated for most of southern Idaho

 

Still smoky today

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category.

Smoke will continue to track north today, increasing concentrations across central Idaho. Increased winds should offer some clearing in northern areas. The Salmon River corridor continues to see significant smoke impacts, which are expected to continue today and into tomorrow. Conditions should improve slightly across southern, southeast, and eastern Idaho, with a greater chance of clearing tomorrow. Conditions will improve slightly in southwest Idaho today before deteriorating again tomorrow.

Video: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke valid 9/8/2021

Air Quality Advisory for Southern Idaho

 

Air Quality Advisory - Coeur d’Alene Reservation

 

Time / Date:			12:30 PM Sept 7, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Stage II Notice lifted 8/27/21 Fire danger still in the HIGH category  CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions can improve with wind direction in our favor through this week as new systems move in.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 106 in the Unhealthy Category, Everyone should be cautious of changes, Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same next couple of days. Wind direction could increase /decrease smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			None at this time
Next Update:			Monday 9/9/21 with Update on conditions
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 http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17

Smoky in the south today

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Smoke will linger across southern Idaho today and into tomorrow. North Idaho will remain relatively clear today. Conditions are likely to improve by late afternoon tomorrow.

Video: Vertically integrated smoke model output from the NWS Air Quality Forecast Guidance initialized at 06z (0000 09/07/21 MDT).

Semi-smoky southern Idaho this weekend

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Smoke impacts will remain light today and tomorrow with eastern and southeastern Idaho seeing the highest readings. Conditions within the Central Idaho mountains also look to be elevated near local fires.

Smoke will increase Sunday and Monday in areas south of I-90 due to fires in California and Oregon. Concentrations will be highest over the Salmon River corridor and east into the Salmon area. These conditions are expected to improve in the late afternoon before settling back down to the surface in the evening. Wind will transport that smoke into the Snake River Plain each night and morning with easterly winds transporting it to the west. This pattern will repeat itself on Tuesday before a trough enters the area on Wednesday.

Video: Canadian FireWork near surface smoke model initialized at 00Z (6pm MDT 09/02/21)

Smoky and hazy today; some improvement in the east tomorrow

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category.

Plenty of smoke remains over southern Idaho leading to hazy skies in the southwest. Smoke will remain in southeast and eastern Idaho due to local fires. Moderate improvement is expected in eastern Idaho today before smoke drains into the Upper Snake Plain from fires in the Central Idaho mountains tonight. A slight improvement is anticipated across eastern and southeast Idaho tomorrow.

Video: 12Z (06am MDT) HRRR-Smoke near surface smoke valid at 00Z (06pm MDT) shows moderate smoke across southeast, eastern, and east-central Idaho.

Slow, small improvements today

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Air quality has improved marginally compared to yesterday. More clearing is expected today from west to east with no discernable improvement until late this afternoon in southeast Idaho and not until this evening for eastern Idaho. Southwest flow will continue to bring smoke into southern Idaho. Periodic smoke impacts may occur across Central Idaho this afternoon and evening. Areas throughout Southeast Highlands, the Upper Snake River Plain, and areas near the MT and WY borders will continue to see smoke impacts. By tomorrow, a narrow band of the Upper Snake River Plain will clear while the region as a whole will continue to see smoke.

Video: HRRR-NCEP Near-Surface Smoke Valid 09/01/2021