Boise, ID – An active winter weather pattern is set to move into southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon this week, bringing mountain snow, valley rain, gusty winds, and eventually colder temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, light showers will develop Sunday with snow levels between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. Temperatures will run 5 to 15 degrees above normal ahead of the main system.
By Monday afternoon and evening, precipitation will become more widespread as a cold front approaches. Valley locations, including Boise and much of the Treasure Valley, are expected to see mainly rain at first, while higher elevations pick up accumulating snow.
The period of heaviest precipitation is forecast late Monday into early Tuesday. Significant snowfall is possible above 6,000 feet, with snow levels lowering from 4,000–6,000 feet Tuesday morning to around 2,000–4,000 feet by Tuesday afternoon.
By Wednesday, snow levels could drop to 1,500–2,000 feet, raising the possibility of snow or a wintry mix in lower valley locations, including parts of the Snake River Plain. Gusty winds are also expected early in the week as temperatures trend colder.
Travelers planning to cross higher mountain passes should prepare for winter driving conditions, especially Monday night into Tuesday.
