Boise, Idaho – Widespread wildfire smoke and isolated thunderstorms are expected to impact the Boise area and much of southwestern Idaho through Monday, bringing hazy skies, reduced visibility, and the risk of afternoon lightning strikes.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, a 20% chance of thunderstorms begins Friday afternoon and returns Sunday evening, as a hot and smoky air mass settles over the region. Highs will range between 90°F and 93°F through the weekend, with air quality likely to deteriorate due to persistent smoke from regional wildfires.
Smoke will be thickest during the overnight and early morning hours across Ada, Canyon, and Elmore counties. Light winds mean the haze will linger through Saturday and Sunday, with the worst conditions likely in low-lying valleys and along I-84. Visibility could drop below 5 miles in some areas.
Residents with respiratory issues are urged to limit outdoor activity and use air purifiers indoors. Afternoon storms may also bring gusty winds and dry lightning, elevating wildfire risk in the Boise Foothills and beyond.
While temperatures begin to cool Monday, scattered storm chances remain. More advisories may be issued if smoke concentrations worsen or storms intensify.
Five-Day Forecast for Boise:
- Friday: 90°F / 64°F – Slight chance of storms after 2 p.m.; areas of smoke
- Saturday: 92°F / 63°F – Sunny and smoky
- Sunday: 93°F / 63°F – Smoke continues; slight chance of evening storms
- Monday: 83°F / 57°F – Partly sunny with isolated afternoon storms
- Tuesday: 88°F / 61°F – Mostly clear and warmer
