Some relief on the horizon for the Panhandle and east and southeast part of state

Air quality today is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range with Salmon in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

Today, the high-pressure ridge over Idaho will strengthen in response to an upstream low-pressure trough. Skies will be sunny across the state. Winds will be from the south-southwest to east-southeast at 2-8 mph in north Idaho. Over south Idaho, winds will be from the northeast to southeast from the Treasure Valley to Magic Valley and from the southwest elsewhere at 2-8 mph. The persistent upper level ridge will remain entrenched over the state throughout the long weekend and early into next week.  

Local and regional fires continue to cover the state in widespread haze and smoke today. Light winds and shading from smoke will keep valley inversions from breaking easily.  An increase in smoke production is expected tomorrow due to forecast critical fire weather. Eastern and southeast Idaho could see some relief tomorrow as southerly winds could help push some smoke and haze north. Over the rest of the weekend, there may be periods of little to no smoke, particularly over the panhandle and eastern Idaho due to southwest winds. However, central Idaho should expect smoky conditions through the long weekend as smoke from local and regional fires continue to impact the area. 

BlueSky 4km WRF initialized at 6pm MDT Thursday shows possible relief for southern Idaho tomorrow afternoon.