‘Fire weather’ worsens in Boise as temperatures rise. Here’s how to stay safe
With record-high temperatures likely on the way to the Boise area, locals could see increased wildfire risks as well, according to the National Weather Service.
“Gusty afternoon winds are expected area-wide” in the afternoon on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, especially “across southern and eastern portions of the state,” the weather service said in its most recent state forecast discussion.
“Wind gusts combined with low humidity will locally enhance fire weather conditions where fuels have started to dry out,” the weather service added.
As of Friday, there were no active wildfires in Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Land’s fire activity map.
“High pressure over the region will bring temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal through the end of the week,” the weather service said in a Tuesday, May 5, post on X. “Gusty afternoon winds will also be expected throughout the week, especially valley areas east of Boise. “
Here’s what to know:
What’s the weekend forecast in Boise?
Friday, May 8, started off sunny and clear in Boise, with a high temperature of 81 degrees and a low temperature around 48 degrees, according to the weather forecast’s latest seven-day forecast.
Boise was expected to see winds up to 8 mph on Friday.
Wind gusts could reach 20 mph on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10.
Temperatures on Saturday will reach a high of 79 and a low of 48.
Boise will see temperatures soar above 90 degrees on Sunday, Mother’s Day.
The high will reach 92, while the overnight low will drop near 55 degrees.
How to stay safe in wildfires
Tens of thousands of wildfires happen yearly in the United States, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
When a wildfire breaks out, it’s important to reduce your exposure to smoke.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says wildfire smoke can irritate eyes, noses, throats and lungs.
“It can make it hard to breathe and make you cough or wheeze,” the CDC says. “Children and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease or who are pregnant need to be especially careful about breathing wildfire smoke.”
Here’s what the CDC says you can do to help stay safe during a wildfire:
- Set up a portable air cleaner or filter in a room closed off from outside air if possible.
- Use a respirator or mask if it’s safe for you to do so.
- Avoid using candles, gas, propane, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces or aerosol sprays.
- Keep pets safe by learning how to protect them.
- Keep track of fires and be prepared to leave.
- Pay attention to your health symptoms.
- Evacuate safely by following and practicing your plans.
This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 4:29 PM.
