Boise, ID – Unseasonably warm temperatures may challenge or break long-standing records across southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, record maximum temperatures are possible today and Thursday, with several cities forecast to reach the upper 50s to near 60 degrees. In Boise, the forecast high of 59 degrees on Christmas Eve could tie the city’s record set in 1885, while a high near 57 degrees on Christmas Day may approach the long-standing Christmas record.
Other communities expected to see record-challenging warmth include Emmett, Twin Falls, Glenns Ferry, Jerome, and Hazleton, as well as portions of eastern Oregon such as Ontario, Burns, and Baker City. Forecast highs across the region generally range from the upper 40s to near 60 degrees, well above late-December averages.
The warm temperatures will occur alongside a period of rain and breezy conditions, adding to the unusual holiday weather pattern. While the warmth may be welcome for outdoor plans, wet roads and gusty winds could impact travel at times.
The National Weather Service notes that these temperatures reflect the potential for tying or breaking previous records, and actual outcomes will depend on cloud cover, rainfall timing, and wind conditions.
This forecast is especially notable for residents accustomed to winter conditions during the holidays, as well as for travelers and outdoor workers who may experience spring-like temperatures instead of snow and cold.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts, especially as small changes in weather conditions could determine whether records are officially broken.
