Weather

Flash Flood watch issued for Central and Eastern Idaho

Sophia Cruz's Idaho News 6 Forecast - 9/18/2026
Forecast: Unsettled Friday before a weekend warm up
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A low-pressure system will keep Southern Idaho cool and unsettled Friday, bringing another round of showers and scattered thunderstorms before warmer and drier weather returns this weekend.

Showers will be possible throughout the day, with thunderstorms becoming more widespread during the afternoon and evening. The strongest storms are expected across Central Idaho, where gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph, small hail, frequent lightning, and brief heavy rain are possible.

Sophia Cruz's Idaho News 6 Forecast - 9/18/2026

Flash Flood Watch

Chance of Rain Friday

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through this evening across the East Central Mountains and much of eastern Idaho. Strong thunderstorms moving through today could produce heavy downpours, leading to rapidly rising rivers and streams, along with localized flooding. Pay close attention to changing conditions, especially if you’re near low-lying or flood-prone area

Flood Watch

Temperatures will also be noticeably cooler Friday as the center of the low moves overhead, with highs running about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Thursday.

Thunderstorm activity will begin to decrease Friday night, but lingering showers could stick around into Saturday morning. Central Idaho and the higher terrain will have the best chance of holding onto showers through Saturday afternoon and evening.

Weekend Forecast

The weekend will gradually improve as the low moves east and high pressure begins building back into the region. Temperatures will start warming later Saturday, with drier and sunnier conditions expected for most areas Sunday. By Sunday afternoon, temperatures could climb to around 5 degrees above normal.

The warmer pattern sticks around into early next week. Monday and Tuesday will generally stay dry and mild, although Central and Eastern Idaho will have a very slight chance of an afternoon shower. Temperatures are expected to remain around 5 degrees above normal through much of next week.

Another weather system could approach the Pacific Northwest toward the end of next week, but there is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding its track and potential impacts.

Treasure Valley Extended Forecast

Sophia Cruz's Idaho News 6 Forecast - 9/18/2026