A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Treasure Valley and Snake River Basin this evening as gusty thunderstorm outflow winds surge northward from Nevada, bringing the potential for gusts up to 55 mph, blowing dust, and severely reduced visibility. A Heat Advisory also remains in effect through 9 p.m.
Wind Advisory: Gusty Outflow Winds This Evening
The most significant weather threat this evening is a powerful thunderstorm outflow wind event moving northward through Idaho ahead of a surge of monsoon moisture from Nevada. The outflow is expected to cross the Nevada-Idaho border around 6 p.m., move through the Snake River Basin between 8 and 9 p.m., and continue northward past McCall around midnight before steadily weakening.
A Wind Advisory has been issued with winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph expected. The strongest winds should last less than one hour at any given location. Areas of blowing dust and reduced visibility are expected as the outflow moves through. Drivers should use extreme caution and be prepared for sudden drops in visibility. The event should be entirely north of the Snake River Basin by 10 p.m. as it continues to move north while weakening. By the time it reaches McCall, maximum gusts should be less than 40 mph.
After the outflow winds diminish, scattered showers and thunderstorms will follow, though little rain is expected to reach the ground tonight.
Heat Advisory Expires at 9 PM Tonight
The Heat Advisory for the Treasure Valley, western Magic Valley, and Upper Weiser River Valley will expire at 9 p.m. tonight. Residents should continue to take heat precautions through the early evening hours.
Saturday: Cold Front Brings Cooler Temperatures and More Storms
Saturday will bring welcome relief from the heat, with temperatures dropping 5 to 10 degrees as a Pacific cold front moves inland through the area. The front will bring gusty west winds to Oregon and breezy northwest winds to western Idaho. With monsoon moisture still present on the Idaho side, the approaching front will help develop showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening, with a better chance of rain reaching the ground than tonight's storms.
Tonight
Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Breezy, with a light and variable wind becoming south southwest 19 to 24 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph.
Saturday
Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. East southeast wind around 6 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of showers between 9pm and 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Monday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 94.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 94.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Thursday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Friday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90.
