Clearing in southern Idaho; continued impacts in North Idaho

 Air quality forecasts today are in the Good to Unhealthy categories.

Smoke is anticipated to clear across southern Idaho in response to the upper level disturbance and associated cold front and showers.  North Idaho looks to continue to experience elevated readings from the Panhandle to Lewiston with the highest concentrations within the Silver Valley and Purcell Trench.  Ample smoke production is expected in southern Oregon and California today and tomorrow, but a northwest wind will keep that smoke from entering southern Idaho today. Areas in the vicinity of thunderstorms will see strong winds, lightning, and showers with hail. This provides plenty of critical fire weather.  Another round of storms is expected again tomorrow.

Video: 12Z (6am MDT) HRRR-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model.

Smoky conditions in north and central Idaho

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Unhealthy categories. 

An upper level ridge will become briefly suppressed as a disturbance along the Idaho-Canada border tracks east. This will cut off the regional transport of smoke into Idaho providing some slight improvement in the heavily-impacted areas of north and central Idaho this afternoon. In general, expect smoky conditions to remain today as weather conditions promote increased smoke production from ongoing wildfires. There is considerable smoke aloft across the northern third of Idaho. By tomorrow morning, southwest flow quickly re-establishes, bringing in regional smoke, along with a slight chance for showers over central Idaho.  South Idaho should see continued concentrations in the Good to Moderate AQI category

Video: HRRRSmoke 06Z valid 2am 08/05/21 Vertically Integrated Smoke shows smoke aloft wrapping around southern Idaho and passing over northern Idaho from Oregon, Washington, and southern Canada into Montana and Wyoming.

More of the same today - heavier impacts to the north

Air quality forecasts today are in the good to unhealthy categories.  

Morning satellite imagery shows smoke-filled valleys across North and Central Idaho with more smoke incoming from the west. Smoke from California, Oregon, and Washington will funnel into North Idaho throughout the day. Some slight improvement is possible in these areas this afternoon as smoke lifts with daytime heating and steady winds but overall expect smoky conditions to remain. A general haze is present across the state as the humidity remains high following the monsoonal moisture from the weekend. South Idaho should avoid any significant impacts through the period as the regional smoke wraps around the ridge to the north and then east through North Idaho into Montana.

Video: HRRR Smoke model showing vertically integrated smoke from 12Z (6am MDT) on 8/3/21 to 16Z (10am MDT) on 8/4/21. Smoke is seen being transported mostly to the north and then east across North and Central Idaho while sparing South Idaho.

High smoke concentrations in north Idaho

 Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Moderate category. 

Surface smoke will mix with high humidities today, creating poor visibility across all of the state.  High smoke concentrations are expected to remain over northern Idaho, with impacts from the Canadian border increasing south into the Central Idaho Mountains by this afternoon.  Smoke continues to filter south today and tomorrow into the Snake River Plain.  This will likely cause an increase in monitor readings as precipitation ceases and hot weather develops. 

 

Video: 12Z HRRR-Smoke Near Surface Smoke model valid 00Z  indicates ample smoke across northern Idaho with lower values over southern Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban for Coeur d'Alene Reservation

 

Air Quality Advisory

And Burn Ban

Coeur d’Alene Reservation  

 

Time / Date:			8:30 AM Aug 2, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Burn Ban Stage II Notice in Effect see below to 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 continue through this week.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 156 in the Unhealthy range A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather service due to low humidity and dry conditions, sensitive* and everyone 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 the next three days. Wind direction could increase /decrease smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health. Thursday a possible new weather front moving into our area with rain that could improve air quality conditions.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			No open fires due to Stage II Restrictions until further notice
Next Update:			The Advisory will be reassessed as conditions change.
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 http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17