High winds, rain showers and a heat wave. See latest weather forecast for Boise

Warm, sunny weather is headed to Boise, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and spring break.

That’s according to the National Weather Service, which is predicting a windy weekend followed by a heat wave.

“(A) warm front will bring light rain and snow to central and northern sections Sunday night and Monday morning, then clearing and rapidly warming leading to record high temperatures next Tuesday through Friday,” the National Weather Service said in its latest Idaho state forecast discussion. “Rapid rises in small streams rivers, and creeks in the central and northern portion of the state are possible.”

Here’s what to expect:

High wind watch issued in Idaho

The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch for much of south central and southwest Idaho as well as parts of Oregon and Nevada.

Communities impacted by the watch, which will remain in place Saturday afternoon and evening, include Boise and sections of Meridian and Garden City, according to Sophia Adams, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Boise office.

“We’re going to see some pretty strong winds on Saturday afternoon from noon to 9 p.m,” Adams told the Idaho Statesman.

The weather service predicted northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible.

“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines,” the weather service said in its watch, with “widespread power outages” possible. “Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”

What’s in the forecast for Boise?

According to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast for Boise, Friday was expected to be calm and overcast with a high temperature of 64 degrees.

There was a 40% chance of rain on Friday night, when the low temperature will drop to 47 degrees.

Saturday will see a high around 56 and a 90% chance of rain, with winds picking up at noon.

Winds could increase to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon with gusts reaching up to 39 mph, the weather service said.

On Saturday night, winds will reach 16 to 21 mph with gusts of 40 mph possible.

The overnight low is expected to be around 30.

Winds calm down on Sunday, which will be partly sunny with a high of 48 and an overnight low around 35.

When will heat wave start in Boise?

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will start heating up in Boise on Monday, March 16, which will be partly sunny with a high near 65 and an overnight low around 43.

That’s a 17-degree difference from the previous day’s high temperature.

Monday marks the start of spring vacation for Boise State University as well as public elementary, middle and high schools in the Boise School District.

Tuesday, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day — will be filled with sunshine, the weather service said.

The high will be around 77, with the overnight low hitting 49.

Temperatures continue to increase on Wednesday, when Boise will hit an 80-degree high with an overnight low of 52.