Boise, Idaho – Scattered lightning strikes and wind gusts up to 60 mph are raising wildfire concerns across southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, with a Red Flag Warning in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday for areas below 3,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, Fire Weather Zones 672 and 673—which include the Southern Grasslands and Central Canyonlands—will remain under heightened alert as dry thunderstorms develop this evening and intensify again Wednesday morning. While Wednesday’s storms may bring more moisture, they’re unlikely to deliver widespread wetting rain.
Crews are particularly concerned about lightning igniting dry grasses in lower elevations, where gusty outflow winds could quickly spread flames. Fire managers urge residents in and around the Owyhee Mountains and Malheur County to avoid any outdoor burning, secure spark-prone equipment, and be prepared for rapid fire growth.
Drivers along U.S. Highway 95 and remote county roads should remain alert for sudden wind shifts and limited visibility due to dust or smoke.
Conditions may ease after Wednesday evening, but additional warnings are possible if storms persist.
