GOOD to MODERATE Air Quality Today

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to MODERATE category across Idaho. Light-to-moderate smoke and haze is currently seen over North Idaho; some dispersion will take place later today. Light-to-moderate smoke will drift into southern and eastern Idaho, as well as the Central Mountains, this evening. This smoke will linger overnight with some limited dispersion taking place for eastern Idaho and the Upper Treasure Valley late tomorrow morning.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT August 31, 2023

Widespread clearing today before light smoke returns tomorrow

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to MODERATE categories across Idaho. 

Westerly winds will provide clearing across most of the state this morning and afternoon. The Telegraph Fire to the north of Twin Falls is producing light smoke in the local area. Light-to-moderate smoke and haze will linger over parts of East Idaho this evening, while light-to-moderate smoke and haze will drift into North Idaho from Canada. Tomorrow morning, light smoke from Oregon will drift into the West Central Mountains and Idaho County. As the wind shifts from the south late morning tomorrow along Idaho’s southern border, light smoke and haze will drift into southern Idaho.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT August 30, 2023.

Some incoming smoke this afternoon

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to MODERATE categories across Idaho. Smoke begin to move into the western half of Idaho this afternoon and into East Idaho later this evening. Limited clearing of the smoke will happen tomorrow morning for parts of North Idaho and the Lower Snake River Plain. By late morning, clearing continues for North Idaho and southwestern Idaho, as well as the Central Mountains and the Magic Valley with light to moderate smoke pushing through East Idaho into Wyoming and Utah.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT on August 29, 2023.

Light-to-moderate smoke over North Idaho

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to MODERATE categories across the state. 

Fires in neighboring states continue to produce thick smoke while light-to-moderate concentrations are seen over North Idaho. The smoke will settle into the valleys overnight before some limited dispersion tomorrow morning. Light-to-moderate smoke will approach the western Idaho border later Tuesday morning but the impacts will be limited with elevated wind speeds expected.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT on August 28, 2023

 Good to Moderate Air Quality Expected to Continue

August 25, 2023: Today’s #AQI is forecast to range from the GOOD to MODERATE categories. The smoke and haze is expected to clear over the West Central Mountains and Treasure Valley on Saturday. Smoke and haze will likely increase slightly on Saturday afternoon over North Idaho and remain slightly elevated through the weekend. Southern Idaho air quality looks to remain good through the weekend. Forecast warmer temperatures and increased winds over the weekend could increase fire activity and affect local air quality.

Video: HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized 12Z (6am MDT) 25 August 2023 shows that the western Canadian, Central Washington, northern California, and Central Oregon fires continue to produce thick smoke across portions of the Pacific Northwest while light to moderate concentrations are expected for parts of Idaho this weekend. Light to moderate smoke and haze are currently observed in the West Central Mountains, North Idaho, and the Treasure Valley.

Better Air Quality! But we're not out of smoke season yet!

August 24, 2023: Today’s AQI is forecast to range from the GOOD to MODERATE categories. Recent rainfall has limited smoke impacts in Idaho. Skies over most of the Magic Valley will see a clearing of light smoke and haze after noon today while smoke and haze will linger across the Treasure Valley through the forecast period. Smoke and haze is expected to continue over North and Central Idaho through the overnight period. Any smoke overhead today will settle into the valleys overnight before some limited dispersion tomorrow when the inversion and daytime heating break late morning.

HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized 12Z (6am MDT) 24 August 2023 and valid at 6pm MDT 24 August 2023 shows light to moderate smoke and haze drifting north from the Central Mountains into North Idaho while another area of light to moderate smoke drifts south from the Canadian border and into North Idaho. Light smoke and haze are also seen lingering over southwestern Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory - Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Advisory

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:	10:00 AM Aug 23, 2023
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 BC, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could improve through today but increase smoke could move back this weekend with increase winds from Canada.
AQI and AQI Category:	Current Conditions: AQI  = 50 Moderate A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather service due to low humidity and high winds, 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 improve today with a new low pressure front moving into our area . Wind direction could increase smoke levels but be aware of changing conditions to protect your health and limit exertion outdoors when smoke is visible.
Pollutant (s):	Fine particulate from wildfire smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:	No open burning until conditions improve call in for updates
Next Update:	Fri Aug 25th by 10am
Contact:	Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275

Today’s AQI is forecast to range from the GOOD to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS categories with the highest concentrations of smoke and haze in North Idaho. 

There will be a brief period of relief this afternoon until tomorrow morning in North Idaho when light-to-moderate smoke and haze returns. Light-to-moderate smoke is building across Central Idaho and the Treasure Valley this morning and will continue to expand across the East Central Mountains and the Magic Valley overnight. Smoke will settle into the valleys overnight before some dispersion of surface smoke and haze occurs with the inversion breaking late tomorrow morning.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT on August 23, 2023.

Air Quality Advisory for 5 northern counties lifted

 

Clearing expected tomorrow

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to MODERATE categories across the state. 

Recent precipitation has dampened fire behavior and helped clear the air. Light to moderate smoke and haze will move into North Idaho this afternoon and linger through the day but precipitation will help to limit the concentration. Light to moderate smoke and haze will move into the Central Mountains and southwestern Idaho tomorrow morning. Clearing is expected tomorrow morning in northern Idaho followed by Central Idaho later.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT on August 22, 2023.

Air Quality Advisory - Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Advisory

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:	9:30 AM Aug 21, 2023
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 BC, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could remain the same through today but increase smoke could move in this week with increase  winds and changes to direction.
AQI and AQI Category:	Current Conditions: AQI  = 60 Moderate A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather service due to low humidity and high winds, 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 stay the same today with a new low pressure front moving into our area . Wind direction could increase smoke levels but be aware of changing conditions to protect your health and limit exertion outdoors when smoke is visible.
Pollutant (s):	Fine particulate from wildfire smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:	No open burning until conditions improve call in for updates
Next Update:	Wed Aug 23rd by 10am
Contact:	Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275

Air Quality Advisory in Effect - Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties

 

Relief today before some smoke moves back in tomorrow

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD category for most of Idaho while the northern Idaho counties and the areas surrounding the Ridge Creek fire could see air quality in the UNHEALTHY category. Shifting winds today will provide relief by pushing the thick smoke and haze in northern Idaho westward though moderate smoke and haze will move back into the area tomorrow morning. Light to moderate smoke and haze from central Oregon fires will begin to move back into the Central Mountains and southwestern Idaho later tomorrow morning.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT on August 21, 2023 and valid at 6:00 p.m. MDT August 21, 2023

 

Air Quality Advisory for 5 Northern Counties

Air Quality Advisory - Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

      Air Quality Advisory

  Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:	11:30 AM Aug 18, 2023
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 BC, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could improve through today but increase smoke could move back this weekend with increase winds.
AQI and AQI Category:	Current Conditions: AQI  = 26 Good Range A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather service due to low humidity and high winds, 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 decrease today with a new pressure front moving into our area . Wind direction could increase smoke levels but be aware of changing conditions to protect your health and limit exertion outdoors when smoke is visible.
Pollutant (s):	Fine particulate from wildfire smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:	No open burning until conditions improve call in for updates
Next Update:	Monday Aug 21st  by 10am
Contact:	Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275

Smoky weekend with some clearing on Sunday

Today’s AQI is forecasted to be in the GOOD to UNHEALTHY range with the highest concentrations in the areas surrounding the Ridge Creek and East fires and the North Idaho counties.

Smoke will pulse in and out of North Idaho today before becoming more concentrated and covering most of the area. It will linger through most of the weekend until the winds shift on Sunday and it begins to drift west. Valley County residents can expect localized smoke and haze from the East fire today before the smoke moves east to the East Central Mountains this afternoon and into the Treasure Valley overnight. The smoke will stick around the Central Mountains for the weekend. Thicker concentrations of smoke from the west central Oregon fires will move into southwestern Idaho this afternoon before a wind shift on Sunday morning will push the smoke westward, providing some clearing on Sunday for south Idaho.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT on August 18, 2023

Air Quality Advisory in Effect for Bonner and Boundary County

 

Bigger impacts expected today in the northern-most counties

Today’s AQI is forecast to range from GOOD to UNHEALTHY closer to local fires and in North Idaho. These areas will see the highest concentrations of smoke and haze. Smoke from Canada and central Washington is impacting North Idaho this morning. There will be some clearing this afternoon before smoke returns in the evening to parts of Boundary and Bonner Counties and then clearing some again in before noon tomorrow. The East fire, located to the east of Cascade is causing local impacts of concentrated smoke and haze across Valley County. This smoke and haze will move east into the East Central Mountains this afternoon and then returning to Valley County overnight. South and central Idaho are being impacted by smoke from fires in West Central Oregon.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6:00 a.m. MD on August 17, 2023

Air Quality Advisory for Kootenai Reservation

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, issued an air quality advisory on the Kootenai Reservation due to increases in air pollution from wildfire smoke. This advisory is effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

The current advisory is due to wildfires in the Washington Cascades and Canada. Smoke from these fires will continue to impact the region with increasing concentrations into Friday.  Intermittent periods of USG and Unhealthy air quality are expected through Sunday. 

EPA requests that residents reduce all additional sources of air pollution as much as possible. Sensitive people should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible. When pollution levels increase, the EPA recommends that all residents restrict activity. Links to more health information are on the EPA Tribal Smoke Resources website.

    

To check conditions in your area, visit the EPA AirNow website.  For a list of current burn bans on tribal lands, call the EPA Federal Air Rules for Reservations Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit  the FARR website.

Some impacts expected in North Idaho

Today's AQI forecast is GOOD to MODERATE over much of Idaho with areas possibly reaching the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS category near the Ridge Creek fire in North Idaho.  Fires in western Canada and central Washington continue to produce smoke and haze that is passing over North and Central Idaho. The fires in west central Oregon are producing widespread smoke and haze which is drifting into South and Central Idaho. The highest concentrations of smoke and haze will be seen in the local areas surrounding the Ridge Creek fire in North Idaho.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6:00 a.m. MDT August 16, 2023.

Smoke coming from the west tonight and tomorrow morning

Today’s AQI is forecast to be GOOD over much of Idaho with areas possibly reaching the UNHEALTHY category near the Ridge Creek fire in North Idaho. 

The Ridge Creek fire north of Coeur d’Alene is producing smoke and haze over the area today. Westerly winds will start to push smoke from neighboring states east over North Idaho this afternoon and into Central Idaho and the Lower Treasure Valley tomorrow morning.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 7:00 a.m. MDT August 15, 2023

Some smoke over North Idaho

Today’s AQI is forecast to be GOOD over much of the state while the area near the Ridge Creek fire could see UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. Smoke from the Ridge Creek fire is impacting North Idaho today and tonight and will begin drifting south overnight. Smoke and haze from fires in western Canada is drifting south and will move over North Idaho tomorrow morning.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 7:00 a.m. MDT August 14, 2023 shows smoke and haze over North Idaho from the Ridge Creek fire.

Pretty decent weekend ahead

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to MODERATE categories across Idaho. 

The fires in west central Oregon and the Ridge Creek fire in North Idaho are the main contributors to regional smoke and haze. The smoke and haze from the Oregon fires will drift east into Central and southern Idaho and linger overnight across southern Idaho and the Central Mountains and then begin to drift south through Sunday as the wind shifts. Meanwhile, the smoke and haze from the Ridge Creek fire will drift into Central Idaho.

Video: The RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 8:00 a.m. MDT August 11, 2023.

Get outside today!

Today’s AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to MODERATE category across Idaho. Rain and cooler temperatures have dampened smoke production from wildfires across the region. However, rising temperatures across the region and declining humidity levels through the weekend could increase smoke production again. Smoke and haze from the Central Oregon fires will drift east across southern Idaho today and linger overnight across the Treasure and Magic Valleys.

Video: RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 7:00 a.m. MDT August 10, 2023

A relatively nice day

Today’s AQI is forecast to be GOOD to MODERATE across Idaho. 

Canadian fires, the Sourdough fire in North Central Washington, and the Ridge Creek fire in Kootenai County are contributing to smoke and haze over North Idaho. This smoke will drift northeast to east across North Idaho into Montana this afternoon. Fire in Oregon are producing smoke this drifting into Eastern Oregon and South Idaho. The Elkhorn fire and Hayden fire in Central Idaho are causing local impacts. The smoke and haze from the Central Idaho fires and the Oregon fires will drift east over the Snake River Plain overnight into Wyoming.

Video: The RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 8:00 a.m. MDT August 9, 2023

Clearing likely today

Today’s AQI is forecast to be GOOD to MODERATE across Idaho. Smoke impacting North Idaho will northeast to east later this evening. The Central Idaho fires will cause local impacts, as well as some impacts over South Idaho. The smoke and haze from these fires will linger over the Snake River Plain tonight.

 

Video: The RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized 6:00 a.m. MDT August 8, 2023 shows smoke and haze over the Snake River Plain from the Elkhorn Fire and the Hayden Fire, along with smoke from fires in Oregon lingering over the area. Smoke and haze from the Canadian and northern Washington fires, as well as the Ridge Creek Fire are seen drifting to the northeast over northern Idaho. With the approaching low pressure system tomorrow, the model shows some clearing of the smoke and haze across the region.

 

Nice day today - GOOD to MODERATE Air Quality

Today AQI is forecast to be GOOD to MODERATE across all of Idaho. 

Fires in Canada and Washington are contributing to smoke and haze currently over North Idaho. This smoke will drift east into Montana this evening. Smoke from fires in Oregon and Central Idaho is affecting Central and South Idaho. This smoke will linger over the Snake River Plain tonight.

Video: RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 8:00 a.m. MDT August 7, 2023

Some mild smoke impacts expected this weekend

Today's AQI is forecasted to be GOOD across much of Idaho and UNHEALTHY in areas surrounding the Central Idaho fires. Smoke and haze from fires in Canada, North Central Washington and Montana will drift west across North Idaho into Washington this evening and again late Saturday night. Meanwhile, smoke and haze from the Central Idaho fires and the Western Montana fires will linger over the Central Mountains, South and East Idaho over the weekend.

Video: The RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 8:00 a.m. MDT August 4, 2023 shows smoke and haze over the Central Mountains from the Elkhorn Fire, the Hayden Fire, and fires in western Montana. The smoke and haze are drifting south across the Central Mountains this afternoon into the western Snake River Plain. Smoke and haze from the Canadian and northern Washington fires are drifting over northern Idaho.

Smoke from MT and Central Idaho fires causing some impacts

Today’s #AQI is forecasted to be GOOD to UNHEALTHY with the highest concentrations nearest the Central Idaho fires. 

North Idaho will continue to see smoke and haze from Canadian fires and fires in North Central Washington. Smoke from the Elkhorn and Hayden fires in Central Idaho and the western Montana fires will drift south and west today across the Central Mountains and into the western Snake River Plain tonight.

Video Source: RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 8:00 a.m. MDT August 3, 2023

Central Mountains to see highest smoke today

Today's AQI is forecast to be in the GOOD to UNHEALTHY categories with Central Idaho seeing the highest concentrations of smoke. 

Several fires in surrounding states, Canada, and even Southern California are impacting Idaho today. Central Idaho continues to see the worst impacts due to local fires like the Hayden fire in Lemhi County and the Elkhorn fire in Idaho County. The smoke from these local fires will begin to drift south and west this afternoon across the Central Mountains and into the Snake River Plain tonight. 

RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized 14Z (8am MDT) 2 August 2023 shows smoke and haze over the Central Mountains from the Elkhorn Fire and Hayden Fire. This smoke and haze will drift south and west across Central Mountains this afternoon. Smoke and haze from the York Fire is seen moving through Nevada and Utah, into East Idaho.

Heavier smoke impacts over Central Idaho

Today’s AQI is forecasted to be in the Good to Unhealthy range with the highest concentrations near the fires in Central Idaho. Fires in surrounding states and British Columbia are producing smoke and haze that is affecting north Idaho while local fires in Idaho and Lemhi County are producing more significant smoke impacts over central Idaho. Eastern Idaho is experiencing some smoke impacts from fires in southern California. Expect smoke and haze from the central Idaho fires to stay more localized as winds shift this evening.

Video Source: RAP-NCEP-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized at 8:00 a.m. MDT August, 1 2023