Cold front could bring rain to Boise, Treasure Valley. Will it help clear smoky skies?
The Boise area could see some rainfall on Friday and Saturday, and the National Weather Service anticipates that it could lead to some temporary clearing of the smoke that has choked the Treasure Valley all week.
Josh Smith, a Boise NWS meteorologist, said it’s not clear how much of the smoke might blow out, but blue skies might be seen parts of Saturday and Sunday, or at least some better air quality.
The Treasure Valley has repeatedly faced unhealthy air quality because of wildfire smoke. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality again issued an “unhealthy,” or red, air quality warning for Friday. Burning is still banned in all of Ada and Canyon counties.
The cold front that might bring rain will come in Friday afternoon and last through Saturday.
“As that system comes in, we will expect some of the smoke to clear,” Smith said. “How much of it clears is a little uncertain.”
Temperatures are also expected to drop on Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the upper 60s. The average temperature this time of year is about 77, Smith said.
With wildfires still a significant problem in California, Oregon and parts of Idaho, the smoke will remain a threat. By Monday, Smith said that a southwesterly flow of air will bring smoke from wildfires right back to the area.
For more information concerning general air quality, the air quality index and forecasts, and local open burning ordinances, visit the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s website.
This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
