Winter Solstice and Sunshine

Above average temperatures with highs in the upper 30's to lower 40's and sunny conditions today before more snow in the forecast for the central mountains and western Wyoming late Wednesday. Winter Storm Watch issued for Wednesday night 11pm - Friday 6am for Western Wyoming with good snows expected at Old Faithful into park. 1-4" expected into the central mountains, Galena to Stanley.

An air quality advisory has been issued by the Idaho Department of environmental quality...Due to elevated pollutant levels & stagnant conditions, air quality is expected to become unhealthy for sensitive groups in Franklin county, including the city of Preston. Individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate/smoke levels are encouraged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. An increase in symptoms of asthma and other respiratory ailments are likely.

Thursday will be a sloppy, snowy day for the valley. Moist conditions thanks to an atmospheric river from the southwest and cold front bringing arctic air into play for Thursday will put some snow into Arco, and upper Snake River Plain. Cold air readjusts atmosphere for Thursday night and it will be noticeably colder Christmas Eve with highs in the low 30's, just ahead another disturbance to bring early morning snow for most everyone within the Channel 8 viewing area a white Christmas.

Jeff Roper, First Alert Weather