Eastern Idaho’s record heat gives way to storms, cooler temperatures
Published at | Updated at
IDAHO FALLS – After several days of heat advisories, including record-breaking heat in parts of eastern Idaho, the National Weather Service in Pocatello is forecasting “a general cool-down” that begins Saturday and continues into next week.
In a Friday Facebook post, the Pocatello bureau has a graphic that shows temperatures decreasing from the mid to upper 90s in most places to temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. This includes the Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Rexburg areas, as well as communities from Montpelier and Soda Springs to Driggs and Island Park.
The decrease in temperatures comes with a “marginal risk of severe thunderstorms” on Saturday and Monday for the afternoon and evening hours.
“‘Severe’ means there is potential for outflow winds of 58 mph or more, and hail at one inch diameter or larger. Notice that nearly the entire state of Idaho is under that possibility, as outlined in the dark green shading,” the weather service wrote in a Saturday morning Facebook post.
Officials with the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center says fire danger is high Saturday and a red flag warning remains in effect from noon until 9 p.m., according to the weather service’s website. Gusty and erratic winds up to 60 mph, along with frequent lightning increases the risk of wildfire. The areas in pink in the map above are most at risk.
Open burn bans are in place for most of the state. Fire officials are reminding you to be aware of the restrictions and to avoid doing anything illegal that could start a fire. Hefty fines could result from anyone caught breaking the law.
On Friday, temperatures at the Pocatello Regional Airport, Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Burley Municipal Airport and the Stanley Ranger Station reached record-breaking levels. Meteorologists say daytime highs at the Pocatello airport reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit, which breaks the previous record of 98 set in 2009. In Idaho Falls, the 97-degree temperature surpassed the previous record of 96, also set in 2009.
Burley and Stanley had daytime temperatures of 99 and 91 respectively. In Burley, the previous record of 98 was set in 2009. In Stanley, the previous record of 90 degrees was set in 1969.
EastIdahoNews.com will provide updated weather reports as we receive them. The latest conditions and a complete seven-day forecast in your area are available here.
This weather-related story is brought to you by Pony Express Car Wash, Idaho's premier express car wash destination, renowned for its commitment to exceptional service and quality. Voted the No. 1 car wash company in Idaho for five consecutive years, we pride ourselves on delivering an unparalleled experience for every vehicle and customer. Our state-of-the-art facility utilizes name-brand soaps and cutting-edge equipment to ensure your car receives the ultimate clean. Established in eastern Idaho in 2019, Pony Express is proud to be a locally owned and operated company that caters to the unique car washing needs of our Idaho Friends and neighbors. We invite you to experience the difference at Pony Express, where your satisfaction is our ultimate goal.