Boise, ID — After a dry and cooler Saturday, a new weather system is expected to bring widespread rain to the Boise area and accumulating snow in the mountains on Sunday, potentially impacting travel across southwest Idaho.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, conditions will remain dry and cool Saturday before precipitation returns Sunday, December 21, along with warmer air. Snow levels are expected to rise from around 3,000 to 4,000 feet early, increasing to 5,000 to 6,000 feet by Sunday night.
In the Treasure Valley, including Boise, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as rain. Forecasters say low elevations could receive between 0.10 and 0.25 inches of rain by Sunday night, though amounts may be lower in areas affected by rain shadowing, with totals closer to 0.05 to 0.15 inches.
In the mountains, several inches of additional snow are expected. Forecast snowfall amounts include:
- McCall, ID: 2 to 4 inches
- Fairfield, ID: 3 to 5 inches
- Idaho City, ID: 1 to 2 inches
- Baker City, OR: Up to 1 inch
- Burns, OR: 1 to 2 inches
The National Weather Service warns that slick roads and reduced visibility are likely, particularly on mountain highways and passes where snow accumulation is expected. Drivers traveling between the Treasure Valley and higher-elevation communities should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
While no major winter storm warnings are currently in effect, officials urge travelers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and check road conditions before heading out Sunday, especially during evening hours when snow levels rise.
Precipitation is expected to taper off late Sunday night into early Monday as the system moves east.
