Some increase in smoke today in North and Central Idaho

Smoke will increase across North and Central Idaho today. Light to moderate smoke will be widespread across North Idaho, with heavier smoke near wildfires and in parts of the Panhandle and north-central Idaho. Light to moderate smoke will also reach the Central and West Central Mountains. South and East Idaho will stay mostly clear, but some smoke and haze may reach southwest Idaho and the Snake River Plain.

Overnight into Tuesday morning, smoke will settle into valleys and low areas across North and Central Idaho. Moderate smoke is expected in some areas, with heavier smoke near wildfires. Some smoke and haze may spread farther south. Winds and daytime mixing Tuesday will improve conditions, but light to moderate smoke will remain across much of North and Central Idaho.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:21 UTC (9:21 a.m. MDT) on 24 August 2026

Improvements coming this weekend

Light to moderate smoke will continue across North Idaho today, with heavier smoke possible near the Panhandle and active wildfires. Central Idaho will also see some smoke, while South and East Idaho should stay mostly clear.

Smoke will remain widespread overnight into Saturday morning and may settle in valleys and low areas. Winds, showers, and thunderstorms will help clear the smoke Saturday afternoon. Gusty winds near storms may cause quick changes in smoke levels and direction.

Breezy winds Saturday night into Sunday will continue to improve air quality. Smoke should decrease across most of Idaho by Sunday, though some smoke may remain near wildfires and settle into valleys overnight.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho and near active wildfires today through Saturday morning. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality is possible. Air quality should improve later Saturday and Sunday.

RRFS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 21 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 21 August 2026

Air Quality Advisory Issued for Portions of the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Panhandle to see greatest impacts today

Smoke will continue across North and parts of Central Idaho today, with the heaviest smoke in the Panhandle and near wildfires. South and East Idaho should stay mostly clear.

Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys, with moderate smoke expected in the Panhandle and heavier smoke possible near the Canadian border. Some improvement is expected Thursday, but smoke will linger across North and Central Idaho.

UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality is possible near wildfires and in parts of North and Central Idaho. 

EPA Lifts the Kootenai Reservation Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban

Air quality on the Kootenai Reservation has improved and, in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its Air Quality Advisory and Ban on Open Burning for the Reservation, effective immediately. 

Other restrictions on open burning remain in place, including those for fire danger, by Reservation officials or any federal agencies. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate Tribal agency.        

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on Tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit the FARR website. 

Clearer skies continuing; some mild impacts in North Idaho

North Idaho will see light to moderate smoke, with more impacts possible in the Panhandle and near wildfires. Central Idaho will see mostly light smoke, with some moderate smoke in the Central Mountains. South and East Idaho should remain mostly clear.

Overnight into Wednesday, smoke from Washington and British Columbia will spread into North Idaho, bringing more moderate smoke to the Panhandle. Light smoke may also spread into Central Idaho, while South and East Idaho remain mostly clear. Wednesday afternoon winds should improve conditions somewhat, but light to moderate smoke will continue across North Idaho.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho, portions of Central Idaho,
and near wildfires. Some areas could briefly reach UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS levels.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 18 August 2026. 

Air Quality Advisory Lifted for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Blue skies visible!

Light smoke will remain across North and parts of Central Idaho today, especially in the Panhandle and near active wildfires. South and East Idaho should stay mostly clear.

Smoke will settle into valleys overnight, with some improvement Tuesday as winds increase. The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho, parts of Central Idaho, and near active wildfires, with some areas possibly reaching UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS levels.

Source: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 17 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 17 August 2026

Stay calm! It's happening (for most of us) -- clearer skies on the horizon

While some light smoke will be present for at times this weekend in North and Central Idaho today, South and East Idaho will stay mostly hazy or clear.

Overnight, smoke and haze will settle into valleys across North and Central Idaho. Saturday, showers and afternoon winds may help improve conditions though light to locally moderate smoke will still be possible in North Idaho through the weekend - mainly near active fires.

By Monday, stronger winds should help clear some of the smoke. However, smoke will continue near active wildfires. The highest AQI levels are expected in North and Central Idaho and near active fires. UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality is possible at times.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 14 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 14 August 2026

Some smoke persists but conditions are improving in south and east Idaho

Today, North and Central Idaho will see the most smoke, especially near active wildfires. South and East Idaho should see improving conditions and mostly light smoke.

Tonight, smoke and haze will settle into valleys and low-lying areas, especially across North and Central Idaho. Conditions should improve Friday afternoon as winds, moisture, and daytime heating help clear the air. However, moderate to heavy smoke may continue in parts of North Idaho.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho and near active wildfires, where UNHEALTHY air quality is possible. Parts of Central Idaho and the West Central Mountains could see periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality. 

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 13 August 2026. 

Improving conditions expected tomorrow for southern Idaho

Near-surface smoke will remain widespread in Idaho with moderate to heavy smoke across parts of North and Central Idaho today and lighter smoke across much of South and East Idaho.

Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys and low areas, causing air quality to worsen in parts of North and Central Idaho and the Snake River Plain. Winds and daytime mixing will slowly improve conditions Thursday afternoon, especially across South and East Idaho. Moderate smoke will remain in parts of North and Central Idaho.

The highest AQI levels today are expected in North and Central Idaho and near active wildfires. Periods of UNHEALTHY air quality are possible in these areas. Parts of the West Central Mountains, Lemhi County, and the Snake River Plain could see periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:36 UTC (9:36 a.m. MDT) on 12 August 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over northeast Washington, parts of Central Oregon, and most of Idaho. Clouds are visible over South and East Idaho.

Coeur d'Alene Tribe Lifts Air Quality Advisory

 

Limited clearing this afternoon

Smoke will remain widespread across Idaho today as wildfires in the Pacific Northwest continue to send smoke into the state. Moderate to heavy smoke will continue across North Idaho and the Snake River Plain, with only limited clearing this afternoon. Overnight, smoke will build in valleys and low areas as temperatures drop, causing air quality to worsen. Conditions should improve Wednesday afternoon as winds help clear the smoke. 

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho and near wildfires, where UNHEALTHY air quality is possible. The western Snake River Plain, West Central Mountains, and Lemhi County may see brief periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality.

RRFS-CONUS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 11 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 11 August 2026 shows smoke and haze from Oregon and Washington drifting into Idaho.

Some improvement this morning but smoke still lingering

Near-surface smoke will remain widespread across the state as ongoing wildfire activity across the Pacific Northwest continues to generate and transport smoke eastward. Heavy to moderate smoke will persist across North Idaho and the Snake River Plain today. Overnight, smoke continues to circulate over Idaho, with the highest near-surface concentrations seen across southwestern Idaho and the panhandle of north Idaho. Moderate to light smoke will continue tomorrow as strong westerly winds continue to carry the smoke eastward.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:36 UTC (9:36 a.m. MDT) on 10 August 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over northeast Washington, parts of Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

A Smoky Start to the Weekend, with Improvement Possible Sunday

Wildfire smoke will remain widespread across Idaho today and Saturday, with moderate to heavy smoke expected in North Idaho and the Snake River Plain. Southwest Idaho and the North Idaho Panhandle may experience periods of particularly heavy smoke, while valleys and other low-lying areas could see worsening air quality overnight as smoke becomes trapped near the surface. Breezier conditions on Sunday should improve smoke dispersion, though winds may continue carrying smoke into Idaho from fires in Oregon and Washington.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 14:51 UTC (8:51 a.m. MDT) on 7 August 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

Smoke Lingers Across the Gem State

Wildfire smoke will remain widespread across Idaho today as smoke from fires across the Pacific Northwest continues to impact air quality.

Moderate to heavy smoke is expected across North Idaho, the Snake River Plain, and portions of southwest Idaho. While breezy afternoon conditions may provide some temporary improvement, smoke and haze will settle back into valleys and low-lying areas overnight as temperature inversions develop. Better mixing is expected Friday afternoon, but widespread smoke is likely to persist.

Stay up to date on current air quality conditions and any Air Quality Advisories by visiting Idaho DEQ's Outdoor Burn and Air Quality Map: https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Map/OutdoorBurn

Widespread smoke today

Air quality is forecast to range from GOOD to UNHEALTHY across the state today.

Near-surface smoke will remain widespread across the state and moderate smoke will persist across North Idaho and Snake River Plain today. 

Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys and other low-lying areas under strengthening surface-based temperature inversions. As temperatures begin to increase Thursday morning, inversions will begin to break and allow for better circulation across the state. Increased westerly winds by mid-day will also aid smoke dispersion.

RRFS-CONUS Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 5 August 2026. 

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

No major changes yet - still smoky!

Unfortunately, smoke will remain widespread across the state today.

Moderate to moderately severe smoke will persist across North Idaho and the Snake River Plain today. Overnight, smoke and haze will settle into valleys and other low-lying areas under temperature inversions. As temperatures begin to increase tomorrow morning and inversions  break, we will experience increased circulation.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:31 UTC (9:31 a.m. MDT) on 4 August 2026

Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban in Effect for Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban in Effect for Kootenai Tribe *corrected

 

EPA Announces an Air Quality Advisory and Ban on Open Burning for the Kootenai Reservation

 

Contact Information: EPA Region 10 Press Office (r10_press_team@epa.gov )

 

Seattle (July 31, 2026) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho issued an air quality advisory and ban on open burning on the Kootenai Reservation due to increases wildfire smoke from multiple fires in Washington. This advisory and burn ban is effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

 

Smoke from these fires will impact the reservation today and through the weekend and as a result, intermittent periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy air quality are expected, based on EPA's Air Quality Index. These same conditions may continue into next week. EPA is using agency’s resources to monitor air quality and provide the public with timely access to our data. People should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible. For more health information, visit Wildfire Smoke Readiness and Response for Region 10 Tribes. The agency will do everything in our authority to continue to protect human health and the environment.

 

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 EPA’s FARR website.

 

Smoke expected for several more days; Air Quality Advisories in Effect for much of state and tribes

Near-surface smoke will remain widespread across the state through Friday as ongoing wildfire activity across the Pacific Northwest continues to generate and transport smoke eastward. Moderate to moderately severe smoke will persist across North Idaho and the Snake River Plain today. Overnight, lingering smoke and haze will become trapped beneath  inversions, allowing smoke to settle into valleys and other low-lying areas. As temperatures begin to increase Tuesday morning, inversions will begin to break and allow for better circulation across the state.

Air Quality Advisories are in effect for western portion of the state, as well as several southeastern counties. Check the Outdoor Burn Map to see if your county is affected. 

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:26 UTC (9:26 a.m. MDT) on 3 August 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Long weekend of lingering smoke

Smoke will remain widespread across Idaho through Friday, with the heaviest concentrations in southwest Idaho, including the Treasure Valley, Owyhee Mountains, and West Central Mountains. Moderate smoke will continue across Central Idaho, while North and East Idaho gradually improve.

Friday night into Saturday, smoke will settle into valleys and low areas as temperature inversions strengthen, causing air quality to worsen. A cold front and stronger afternoon mixing should improve conditions Saturday afternoon. However, increasing winds Saturday evening may bring heavier smoke into southwest Idaho from Oregon and the Panhandle from Central Washington.

Smoke will linger across southwest Idaho through Monday, with limited improvement. The Treasure Valley and nearby valleys may see moderate smoke at times, while Central and East Idaho will see periods of light to moderate smoke. Additional smoke from British Columbia may reach the Panhandle Monday.

The highest AQI levels are expected in the Treasure Valley, where periods of UNHEALTHY air are possible, especially overnight and in the morning. Parts of the western Snake River Plain and West Central Mountains could briefly reach UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:21 UTC (9:21 a.m. MDT) on 31 July 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

Some improvement expected tomorrow

Last night, thick smoke blanketed most of Idaho, with the highest near-surface concentrations across southwestern Idaho. Near-surface smoke will remain widespread through Friday. The heaviest concentrations are expected across southwest Idaho, including the Treasure Valley, Owyhee Mountains, and portions of the West Central Mountains. Moderate smoke will persist across Central Idaho and North Idaho today, with improving conditions expected across much of eastern Idaho. 

Overnight, air quality will deteriorate in valleys and low-lying areas as smoke becomes trapped beneath surface temperature inversions. The highest AQI levels are expected across portions of the Treasure Valley, where periods of VERY UNHEALTHY air quality are possible. Elsewhere, the western portion of the Snake River Plain and West Central Mountains could experience brief periods of UNHEALTHY air quality.

Friday, central and eastern Idaho will gradually experience cleaner air, while southwest Idaho will remain under persistent moderate to heavy smoke. 

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:36 UTC (9:36 a.m. MDT) on 30 July 2026 shows widespread areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

Some improvement possible for North and East Idaho this afternoon

Overnight, thick smoke continued to spread across Idaho, with the highest concentrations across South Idaho. Smoke will remain widespread through Thursday morning with the thickest smoke expected across the Treasure Valley, Owyhee Mountains, Central Mountains, and Central Idaho, with moderate to heavy smoke extending into the Snake River Plain and parts of North Idaho. 

Some improvement is expected Wednesday afternoon in the Panhandle, East Idaho, and parts of the Snake River Plain, as daytime mixing helps disperse smoke. 

Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys and low-lying areas as temperature inversions strengthen, causing air quality to worsen before improving again Thursday afternoon. 

The Treasure Valley could see periods of VERY UNHEALTHY air quality today, while the western Snake River Plain and West Central Mountains may experience brief periods of UNHEALTHY air quality.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:41 UTC (9:41 a.m. MDT) on 29 July 2026 shows clouds moving in western Washington and Oregon with clouds over South Idaho. Widespread areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

Thick smoke across western Snake River Plain

Overnight, thick smoke continued to spread across Idaho, with the highest concentrations across South Idaho. Smoke will remain widespread through Wednesday morning as wildfires in the Pacific Northwest continue to produce large amounts of smoke. The heaviest smoke is expected across the Treasure Valley, Owyhee Mountains, West Central Mountains, and Central Idaho, with moderate to heavy smoke extending into the Snake River Plain and parts of North Idaho.

 Some improvement is expected this afternoon as daytime mixing helps clear the air, mainly across the Panhandle and East Idaho. Overnight, smoke will settle into valleys and low-lying areas, causing air quality to worsen before conditions improve again Wednesday afternoon. 

The highest AQI is expected in parts of the Treasure Valley, where VERY UNHEALTHY air quality is possible. Parts of the western Snake River Plain and West Central Mountains could also see brief periods of UNHEALTHY air quality.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:46 UTC (9:41 a.m. MDT) on 28 July 2026 shows clouds moving in western Washington and Oregon. Widespread areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory in Effect for 35 of 44 Idaho Counties

 

Whoa! Smoky skies across most of state!

Thick smoke spread across Idaho overnight, with the highest near-surface concentrations across South and Central Idaho. Smoke will remain widespread through Tuesday, with the heaviest concentrations expected across the Treasure Valley and Owyhee Mountains. Smoke will continue to spread across the Snake River Plain and Central Mountains, while moderate to heavy smoke persists across parts of North Idaho. Some improvement is expected across the Panhandle today as afternoon winds help disperse smoke. In East Idaho, easterly overnight winds should improve conditions before patchy smoke returns late Tuesday morning.

Tonight, cooler temperatures will trap lingering smoke in valleys and other low-lying areas, causing local AQI levels to increase until inversions break Tuesday morning. The highest AQI is expected across portions of the Treasure Valley, where VERY UNHEALTHY air quality is possible. Elsewhere, parts of the Snake River Plain and Clearwater Basin could see brief periods of UNHEALTHY air quality.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 15:41 UTC (9:41 a.m. MDT) on 27 July 2026 shows clouds moving through East Idaho. Areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and most of Idaho.

 

 

More smoke moved in overnight

Today, air quality is mostly forecast to be in the GOOD to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS range.

Overnight, patchy smoke moved into the Clearwater Basin, Treasure Valley, and Panhandle. Light smoke remains across much of Idaho. Afternoon winds will help mix the air, but cooler temperatures tonight will trap smoke in valleys and low-lying areas until late morning. Air quality will be worst in parts of the Treasure Valley, Panhandle, and Clearwater Basin, where brief UNHEALTHY conditions are possible.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 8:31 a.m. MDT on July 24, 2026 shows clouds moving through north Idaho. Areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and portions of Idaho.

Hopeful for clearing on Friday

Today, air quality is forecast to be in the GOOD to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS range. Overnight, the Treasure Valley could experience periods of UNHEALTHY.

Light to patchy smoke and haze will travel across Idaho today, sparing the most eastern portion of the state for the most part. Limited clearing is expected this afternoon before smoke and haze settles back overnight. Wind on Friday will help further clear smoke and haze across the state. 

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 8:31 a.m. MDT on July 23, 2026 shows clouds moving through north Idaho. Areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and portions of Idaho.

Some clearing in the afternoon, higher AQI overnight

Air quality is forecast to be in the GOOD to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS range across the state, though portions of the Treasure Valley may experience periods of UNHEALTHY overnight.

There are not many changes from yesterday's forecast. Oregon's fires are the main smoke contributors affecting South and Central Idaho while fires in Washington and British Columbia are impacting North and Central Idaho. Afternoon winds will help clear some of the smoke across the state but lingering smoke at nightfall will be trapped by inversions in valleys and low-lying areas. This trapped smoke will raise air quality index values overnight. 

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 9:46 a.m. MDT on July 22, 2026 shows clouds through the region. Areas of smoke are visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and portions of Idaho.

Limited clearing this afternoon

Air quality today is forecast to range mostly from Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The Treasure Valley may experience brief periods of Unhealthy. 

Expect limited clearing of smoke everywhere in the afternoon with increased mixing heights and wind speeds. Come night, however, any lingering smoke and haze will become trapped under surface temperature inversions and settle in valleys and low-lying areas, worsening air quality until those inversions break tomorrow morning. 

An Air Quality Advisory is still in place for Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, and Washington Counties. 

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 9:36 a.m. MDT on July 21, 2026 shows clouds passing over and areas of smoke visible over Washington, Central Oregon, and portions of Idaho.

Smoke has arrived!!

Air quality is forecast to be in the GOOD to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS range today, with the worst air quality occurring overnight in the valleys of North and Central Idaho and the Treasure Valley, where it could reach UNHEALTHY.

Patchy smoke and haze will linger for North and Central Idaho today with limited clearing expected from afternoon winds and mixing. Patchy smoke and haze will also linger over the Treasure Valley with limited clearing expected from afternoon winds and mixing. As southerly winds build today, the patchy smoke and haze over the Magic Valley will clear. Light to patchy smoke and haze will drift south from the East Central Mountains and Montana into East Idaho later this evening. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke and haze across Idaho will become trapped under surface temperature inversions and settle in valleys and low-lying areas which will raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later in the morning.

Air Quality Advisories are in place for all counties in central and north Idaho, as well as some southwest counties. Click here to see the most recent advisories in place. 

RRFS-CONUS Near Surface Smoke model initialized at July 20, 2026 5 a.m. MDT shows smoke and haze from Oregon and Washington drifting into North and Central Idaho, and the Treasure Valley. Light smoke and haze are seen drifting into East Idaho from the East Central Mountains and Montana.

Air Quality Advisory Issued for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Eliminate Fire Risk

Most wildfires are human-caused and preventable - do your part to prevent wildfires and wildfire smoke:  

Never leave campfires or debris burns unattended.  

 

Avoid burning during windy conditions. Wind can cause embers to spread quickly, igniting dry vegetation. 

 

Ensure campfires and hot coals are completely extinguished by drowning, stirring, and feeling for heat. 

 

Use spark arresters on equipment. Chainsaws, ATVs, and other machinery can produce sparks that ignite dry grass and brush. 

 

Don’t drive or park on dry grass. The undercarriage of your car is hot and can catch vegetation on fire. 

 

Don’t let tow chains drag. Dragging chains can cause sparks. 

  

Obey all local fire restrictions. Check before starting any outdoor activities that involve fire. 

 
Find more wildfire prevention tips here!