Tracking hot conditions and weekend storms
HEAT ALERT – FRIDAY NOON TO 3 PM: DANGEROUS AFTERNOON HEAT PEAK
Synopsis: Sunny, Hot & Building Toward Storms
It’s another sunny, hot summer day across eastern Idaho, with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 90s across the valleys and the upper 80s in the mountains. Even Salmon will be feeling the heat, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s under mostly clear skies and just a few thin, high clouds at times. With dry air in place, the sun will feel especially intense, and any breeze that develops will likely be light and warm.
If you’re planning to be outside, the morning and evening will be your best friends today. Conditions will be most comfortable early in the day before temperatures quickly climb after sunrise, then again after sunset when things slowly begin to cool. Plan ahead if you’re heading out for a hike, round of golf, yard work, or any extended outdoor activity—start early, pace yourself, and be ready to step into shade or air conditioning during the peak afternoon heat.
With this kind of heat building, dehydration and heat-related illness can develop faster than you might expect, especially if you’re active or spending long periods in direct sun. Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty, take regular breaks, and seek shade whenever possible. Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and limiting strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day will make a big difference.
There’s essentially no meaningful rain relief today, with only a very slight chance of a late-day shower or isolated thunderstorm developing over the higher terrain. Most locations will stay dry. Tomorrow looks very similar—hot, mostly sunny, and quiet weather-wise. However, this calm stretch is temporary, as the atmosphere is beginning to shift again.
As monsoonal moisture gradually returns to the region, instability will increase and so will the chance for thunderstorms. With strong daytime heating in place, any storms that do form will be capable of producing dramatic lightning, tall thunderheads, brief heavy downpours, and gusty outflow winds, even if rainfall amounts remain limited. In many cases, you may notice storms building in the distance with plenty of thunder and cloud development, but only light or scattered rain reaching the ground.
By Saturday, a more noticeable change arrives as temperatures finally ease and storm coverage increases. Storm chances rise to around 50%, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, and some storms could produce locally gusty winds and brief periods of heavier rain. High temperatures will drop back into the 80s across the valleys and even the 70s in the mountains, offering a welcome break from the recent heat. Overnight lows will also become more comfortable, settling into the 50s and 60s, allowing for better overnight recovery.
Enjoy the cooler weekend while it lasts, because the heat makes a quick comeback after the weekend as high pressure rebuilds. For now, focus on staying cool, staying hydrated, and taking advantage of the more comfortable morning and evening hours whenever you can.
Jeff Roper, First Alert Weather
