Impending heat wave causing fire concern

Alex DeSmet is a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Pocatello. Today, he’s analyzing three different weather models, checking to see if they are all in agreement with one another.

“In this case, they’re all in pretty good agreement, actually excellent agreement.”

He’s referring to a high-pressure weather system that is predicted to bring extremely dry heat.

“And that is exactly what is expectation is. So these areas up here could see the hottest temperatures ever recorded.”

Keeping the community informed on extreme weather is among his top priority. So, when he saw this weather system forming, he knew it was important for people to know what to expect.

“We want to make sure people are drinking plenty of water, wearing loose, light fitting clothing, and if you have to do outdoor activity, limit those to the morning or the evening if you can,” said DeSmet.

However, fire danger is the biggest concern for this weather pattern.

“We’re seeing the drought gradually expand across Idaho and it’s been so dry here really since late June. We’re seeing great fire potential,” said DeSmet.

Chubbuck Fire Chief Merlin Miller also has growing concerns regarding this heat wave.

“Each day with the heat up and the humidity down we like to caution people about remember what you’re doing try not to mow your lawn, try not to do those things you would normally do,” said Chief Miller.

Also, fires in northern California haven’t made things any easier.

“With California burning and some of the other states that have fires, a lot of the resources have gone to those fires and it takes time to get those resources back to our area.”

This makes southeastern Idaho susceptible for fire heavy damage.