Boise, Idaho – Dense wildfire smoke will continue to blanket much of southwest Idaho through the weekend, limiting air quality while temperatures climb back into the upper 90s and lower 100s before gusty winds increase wildfire concerns.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, widespread smoke is expected to persist over the next several days. Afternoon temperatures will run about 5 degrees above normal Friday and Saturday, although the thick smoke may keep daytime highs a few degrees cooler than they otherwise would be. A dry cold front is forecast to move through over the weekend, bringing stronger winds and elevated fire weather conditions across the region.
Boise is expected to reach 97 degrees Thursday, 102 degrees Friday, and 102 degrees Saturday before cooling to 88 degrees Sunday. Other Treasure Valley communities, including Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian and Ontario, are forecast to see highs near 100 to 102 degrees through Saturday. Mountain communities such as McCall will remain cooler, with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s before dropping into the upper 70s and lower 80s late in the weekend.
Residents, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity when smoke is heaviest. Keep windows closed if indoor air quality can be maintained, use air filtration where available and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire as winds strengthen.
Conditions begin to improve Sunday as the cold front lowers temperatures into the upper 80s across much of the Treasure Valley, but elevated fire danger may continue. Additional fire weather statements or air quality advisories could be issued through the weekend.
