Updated 1000 MDT Friday, August 8, 2014
Valid through Noon MDT Monday, August 11,
2014
Smoke Outlook
Most of Idaho has maintained Good levels
of air quality except for north Idaho, which is currently experiencing Moderate
conditions this morning due to the fires burning in Washington, Oregon, California,
and the Clearwater Basin. Even with
periods of Moderate, the 24hr AQI was in the Good category except for parts of
the Idaho Panhandle and Clearwater Basin.
A cut-off low will settle over
California, steering warm southerly winds into Idaho this weekend. A Rex block is forecast to develop over the
Pacific Northwest by Sunday which will further increase temperatures. These conditions will favor extreme fire
behavior and therefore, produce more smoke on Sunday and Monday. Today, there is a threat of thunderstorms across
the Clearwater and Southeast and Eastern Highlands. Any storms that do develop will be weak as
the locations of favorable shear and moisture are not together.
Smoke impacts today will be similar to
yesterday and confined mostly to light smoke across the northern part of state,
north of the Salmon River. Primary
sources will continue to be fires burning in California, Oregon, and
Washington. Fires across the Clearwater
will continue to create locally smoky and hazy conditions. Light smoke and haze should be expected
through the weekend with a chance for increasing smoke Sunday into Monday.
Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and
weather. If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur.
When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize
outdoor activities. Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical
activity outdoors. Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional
health information.
Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be
outside. Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be
good.
|
AQI Category
|
Visibility (miles)
|
|
Good
|
11+
|
|
Moderate
|
6-10
|
|
Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups
|
3-5
|
|
Unhealthy
|
1½
-2¾
|
|
Very
Unhealthy
|
1-1¼
|
|
Hazardous
|
Less
than 1
|
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