Tracking high pressure and more warmth

We got another nice day around here. It’s gonna be sunny in the low 70s 72 for the next couple of days and then we get up into the mid 70s by the end of the week and then by end of the weekend we’re closer to 80° light winds high pressure in charge bold sunshine, very dry conditions and good for getting outdoors. Just make sure you got a jacket in the morning and bring it home at night cause we’ll be warming up day by day into the beginning of October.

We’re heading into a pretty remarkable stretch of weather as we turn the calendar to October, because this ridge of high pressure is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Today, Wednesday: sunshine takes over with a high around 72 degrees. It’ll be cool this morning, so you’ll want the jacket or hoodie heading out the door, but by afternoon it’s comfortable enough for outdoor plans, yard work, a walk or maybe squeezing in one more round of golf.

Thursday: another sunny day with temperatures again around 72 degrees. That’s already well above the typical October 1st high, which is closer to the upper 50s in Idaho Falls. So even though the calendar says October, Mother Nature is still running a late-summer schedule.

Friday: we start warming up, with highs climbing into the mid-70s. Sunshine remains the dominant feature, winds stay generally light, and there’s very little moisture to worry about.

Saturday: the warm-up continues. We’re looking at the mid to upper 70s, with plenty of sunshine. This is the kind of October weekend where you can comfortably make plans outside without having to build them around the weather — hiking, biking, fall cleanup, football, festivals or just getting outside and enjoying the afternoon.

Sunday: now we’re knocking on the door of 80 degrees. That is a big temperature for early October, and it’s a good reminder that this ridge is keeping us much warmer than normal.

And the warmth doesn't disappear when the weekend ends.

Monday: temperatures remain in the upper 70s to around 80, with sunshine still dominating. There could be a slight pop of moisture trying to work into the region around Monday, but at this point it does not look like the kind of system that completely breaks down this pattern.

Tuesday: we stay warm, with highs again potentially around the upper 70s to near 80.

Wednesday: still mild, with temperatures remaining well into the 70s.

So the big story isn't just one warm afternoon — it's the persistence of the warmth. Day after day, we're running well above the October average, with temperatures climbing from the low 70s now into the mid and upper 70s and potentially around 80 as we head into next week. Current extended guidance also keeps Idaho Falls in the upper 70s to around 80 through much of the first week of October.

And there's a reason for it: high pressure is firmly in control. That ridge is suppressing storm systems, keeping skies mostly clear, moisture limited and temperatures elevated. There simply isn't much happening to knock this pattern down.

For you, that means beautiful fall weather with a little bit of a summer feel. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, lots of sunshine and very dry conditions.

So here's the rule for the next several days: take the jacket with you in the morning — but don't leave it in the car all day. You'll probably want it again when the sun goes down, but by afternoon you'll be looking for the shade instead.

If you've been waiting for a good stretch to get that fall yard work finished, take advantage of it. If you've got outdoor projects, a hike, a bike ride, a football game or just want to enjoy the changing leaves, the weather is cooperating.

October is arriving, but winter certainly isn't knocking on the door yet. We've got an extended run of above-average temperatures ahead, and for now, breaking this ridge of high pressure is going to take some time.