Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Extended for Southwestern and South-Central Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Boise Regional Office has extended an Air Quality Forecast and Caution for residents of Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties. The next update is expected Friday, September 18th at 3:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Twin Falls Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties. The next update is expected Friday, September 18th at 1:00 p.m.

Smoky through Friday

 Air quality across the state is currently forecast to be in the moderate to very unhealthy range - increasing in concentration as you move north. There still isn't much change in the weather pattern and we will continue to have sunny/hazy skies and light winds across the state through Thursday. Smoke continues to stream in from Oregon, Washington and California.

There may be some improvement this afternoon as mixing increases but overall little change is expected from yesterday. Southeast Idaho may even see some degradation in air quality as some of the smoke shifts east - though it may remain aloft through the day. 

Significant clearing is still not expected until at least Friday and even then, the clearing may be brief.

GOES West “true-color” visible satellite imagery from 8:21-9:16 AM MDT showing smoke entrenched in valleys across Idaho while more smoke streams in from the west and southwest.

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Extended for Eastern Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Idaho Falls Regional Office has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for residents of Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties. The next update is expected Friday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m.

More of the same today with minimal improvement

Overall, everything is looking about the same as it did yesterday. Air quality ranges from good in the southeast to very unhealthy in the north. There has been very little change in the weather pattern since yesterday and no significant changes are expected until Friday. 

North Idaho will continue to see thick smoke moving in from the Cascades but could see some gradual improvement today as a cold front approaches from the northeast which may allow some clearer air to mix in with the surface smoke. Southwest Idaho will see lesser, though still significant, impacts from smoke moving in from California. Southeast Idaho will again avoid all but the lightest impacts today. North Idaho should see some more gradual improvement 

Suomi VIIRS visible “true color” satellite imagery from 9/14/20 showing thick smoke across much of North Idaho and lesser smoke impacts in South Idaho.

Air Quality Alert - Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Alert

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			8:00 AM Sept 15, 2020
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 CA, WA and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through today and until the end of the week.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 198 Unhealthy Range some improvement from yesterday, 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 remain the same for most of the day. Wind direction could reduce smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health this week.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wildfire smoke and building materials
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to dry conditions until further notice
Next Update:			Friday 9/18/2020 by 10 am
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 Community Guide for Staying Healthy During Wildfire Events   School Activity Guidelines for Wildfire Smoke Events. https://www.deq.idaho.gov/news-archives/air-nonessential-burning-update-covid-19-0320/