‘Fire weather’ forecast in Southwest Idaho as heat, dry storms, high winds arrive
Hot temperatures and wind gusts are elevating wildfire risks in parts of Southwest Idaho and the south-central part of the state, according to the National Weather Service.
“We’re looking at critical fire weather due to dry conditions near the surface and wind gusts from 30 to 40 mph, especially around Mountain Home to the Magic Valley,” Jackson Macfarlane, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Boise, told the Idaho Statesman.
The heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday, June 16, with “the driest conditions and the windiest conditions happening at the same time,” the meteorologist told the Statesman via phone.
Winds and a “weak cold front” could briefly lower temperatures on Wednesday, Macfarlane said, before they climb once more on Thursday, June 18.
Here’s what to know:
Which areas of Idaho are most at risk of wildfires?
“Tuesday will be hot, dry and windy, with highs in the mid to upper 90s in the lower Snake Plain,” the National Weather Service wrote in a Sunday, June 14, post on X.
The weather service predicted winds of 30 to 40 mph and relative humidity of 10% to 15% “from Mountain Home through the Magic Valley,” southeast of Boise.
In response, the weather service issued a red flag warning for western Twin Falls and Southern Highlands that will remain in effect from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly,” the weather service said in its warning.
“Potential dry thunderstorms and potential lightning” during the heat wave may increase the likelihood of wildfires again on Friday, June 19, Macfarlane told the Statesman.
The meteorologist added that Southern Idaho is expected to see the most storm activity, especially along the Nevada state line.
Eastern Oregon will also be at risk of dry thunderstorms on Friday, Macfarlane said.
What’s in the forecast for Boise?
According to Macfarlane, temperatures in the Boise area are expected to be about 15 degrees hotter than average.
“The wind is actually the part that’s a little more out of the ordinary,” he said.
Monday, June 15, was expected to reach a high temperature of 91 degrees, with clear sunny skies and a slight breeze, according to the National Weather Service’s forecast for Boise.
The forecast called for a low temperature of 60 degrees overnight.
Skies will remain clear and sunny in Boise as the heat wave persists throughout the week.
Winds are expected to pick up on Tuesday with gusts reaching 23 mph. The high temperature will be near 98.
Wind gusts could increase to 34 mph overnight Tuesday as the temperature cools to 62 degrees.
The high temperature will drop slightly to 88 degrees on Wednesday, when wind gusts could reach 25 mph.
Breezes will become still overnight as the temperature sinks to 55, the coolest temperature forecast in coming days.
During the remainder of the week, Boise is expected to see highs in the mid- to upper 90s and overnight lows around 60.
Friday, June 19 — the Juneteenth holiday — is expected to see a high temperature approaching 98 degrees.
The National Weather Service said residents should avoid being outside in extreme heat, stay hydrated, and find shade or air conditioning.
“Any high temperature … in the mid-90s is going to be potentially hazardous for our most sensitive populations: the elderly, children, people with preexisting health conditions,” Macfarlane said. “That heat combined with the dryness and that high pressure and the wind in that intersection zone is bringing us some fire weather concerns as well.”
How can I stay safe during a wildfire?
Tens of thousands of wildfires happen yearly in the U.S., according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
When a wildfire breaks out, it’s important to reduce your exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke can irritate eyes, noses, throats and lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“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 June 15, 2026 at 2:02 PM.
