An incoming weather system could mean a wet and windy Labor Day for the Treasure Valley.
Korri Anderson, a meteorologist for the Weather Service in Boise, told the Idaho Statesman there is a 20% to 30% chance of thunderstorms on Monday.
“There’s a system that’s off the California coast, and it’s going to interact with some moisture from the south and that’s going to enhance the threat of thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon,” Anderson said Sunday by phone.
The storms are a “low-probability” at the moment, but if they do hit Boise they are predicted to happen within two windows: 8 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m to 8 p.m., according to Anderson.
Anderson said Monday’s weather could also include winds of up to 60 mph. He warned drivers that blowing dust could create difficult driving conditions.
While Idaho has seen significant fire damage in recent weeks, don’t expect the weather to help much. Anderson said if the Treasure Valley does get hit by storms, they are expected to contain little water.
Instead, lightning could potentially start new fires. The Wapiti Fire near Stanley, which had grown to nearly 98,000 acres on Sunday, was started by a July 24 lightning strike.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Monday, which means warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds could combine to create the perfect conditions to increase fire risk, according to the weather service’s website.
The National Weather Service predicts cooler temperatures Tuesday, with an expected high of between 80 and 85 degrees. The McCall area has a “good chance” of seeing rain Tuesday.
Temperatures will warm back up into the 90s the rest of the week, though models show another chance of thunderstorms next Sunday.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
