textproduct: Pocatello

KEY MESSAGES

- Windy Conditions Wednesday: Winds will increase across the western portions of the area tomorrow, potentially reaching Advisory levels near Idahome and Yale

- Mid-Week Temperature Spike: Expect a very mild Wednesday with highs in the 50s and low 60s before a cold front arrives

- Thursday morning Rain to Snow Transition: Precipitation begins as rain for most valleys late Wednesday, but a transition to light snow is possible Thursday as colder air moves in

- Potentially Warm Early Next Week: High pressure builds this weekend, likely bringing widespread 60s and well above-normal temperatures by Sunday and Monday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1138 AM MST Tue Mar 3 2026

Satellite imagery this afternoon shows valley cloud cover gradually eroding as Eastern Idaho sits in a brief break between weather systems. This period of mostly sunny skies will be short-lived, however, as the next upper-level atmospheric disturbance is already beginning to dig into the region. As this system approaches tomorrow, southwesterly winds will increase significantly across the western forecast area. While normally windy locations such as Idahome and Yale are likely to reach Wind Advisory criteria, there is still some uncertainty regarding how widespread these peak gusts will be. Consequently, we have held off on any wind headlines for this shift, but will continue to monitor. These southwesterly winds will also usher in much milder air, with temperatures climbing into the 50s for most lower valleys and potentially reaching the low 60s across the Snake Plain and Magic Valley. Precipitation is expected to overspread the area late Wednesday and continue through Thursday. At the onset, snow levels will be quite higharound 6,500 feetmeaning initial accumulations will be restricted to the higher terrain where a few inches are possible through Thursday evening. A sharp transition occurs Thursday morning as colder air arrives, which may allow rain to change over to snow in the valleys. While wet roads and marginal temperatures should limit significant valley accumulations, the latest high- resolution models suggest light accumulations are possible and warrant close monitoring in future forecast updates. Snow showers will likely linger into Friday, primarily across the mountains, before a more significant ridge of high pressure builds over Eastern Idaho for the weekend. This pattern shift will bring a return to quieter weather and a substantial warming trend. In fact, current National Blend of Models (NBM) guidance appears conservative; widespread 60s are certainly possible by Sunday and Monday as temperatures climb well above seasonal normals. Looking further ahead into next Tuesday and beyond, forecast confidence decreases as weather models show a large spread in potential outcomes.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 431 PM MST Tue Mar 3 2026

Weak high pressure is building in the area bringing mostly clear skies. There is some indication that low stratus could build in over IDA tonight into tomorrow morning. Just put SCT020 for now. Most models have backed off on MVFR CIGS for IDA. Upper level clouds start moving into the area overnight with clouds dropping through the day on Wednesday ahead of the next system. Expect southerly wind gusts of around 20 kts by Wednesday afternoon. Rain showers with MVFR CIGS start moving into SUN by early Wednesday evening.

PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.