Tracking wind and storms ahead of a cooler weekend

The heat is hanging on across Eastern Idaho for the next couple of days, but there are some important changes brewing as we head toward the end of the week.

A strong area of high pressure is still acting like a protective dome over Idaho, keeping the main push of colder air from arriving just yet. That means another couple of hot afternoons are ahead, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and lower 90s for much of the Snake River Plain. If you have outdoor projects, yard work, hiking or other plans, the morning will offer the most comfortable window before the afternoon heat builds.

But even though we're staying hot and mostly dry at the surface, there is enough moisture and instability in the atmosphere to spark isolated to scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. These storms may not produce much rain, and that's important: some of the biggest hazards could actually be strong, sudden wind gusts from dry thunderstorms. You can have a storm nearby and get little or no measurable rain while still seeing rapidly changing winds, blowing dust and difficult conditions for anyone boating, camping, working outdoors or traveling.

The heat peaks over the next two days before a cooler front finally pushes through. By Thursday, temperatures tumble back into the upper 70s, bringing a noticeably more comfortable feel to the region. The front will also increase the potential for thunderstorms and make the end of the week considerably windier.

By Friday and into Saturday, we're trading the summer heat for a more unsettled pattern. Saturday carries about a 30% chance of thunderstorms, with afternoon temperatures generally staying in the upper 70s. Morning temperatures will become much more comfortable, with lows dropping into the 40s in many areas.

So enjoy the remaining heat, but don't let the sunshine fool you: the atmosphere is becoming increasingly unstable. Keep an eye on the sky during the afternoon, secure lightweight outdoor items, and if you're heading into the mountains, camping or spending time on the water, be prepared for a sudden wind shift or thunderstorm to develop nearby.

Bottom line: Hot for two more days, storms and gusty winds increase, then a chilly front knocks temperatures back into the 70s by Thursday and sets up a cooler, more unsettled finish to the week.