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.