textproduct: Pocatello

KEY MESSAGES

- Relentless Wind Pattern: Strong winds remain the primary concern across Eastern Idaho today and throughout much of the upcoming week

- Temperature Roller Coaster: After a brief cooling trend tomorrow, temperatures will soar to well above seasonal normals by midweek and especially into the weekend

- Spring Warmth Arrives: Despite the wind, a significant warming trend is on the horizon, with highs in the 60s by the weekend and potentially 70s by early next week

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1217 AM MDT Tue Mar 10 2026

The story for the next several days will be relentless wind across central and eastern Idaho. Very strong west to northwest will remain across the state. There are going to be days where the winds are stronger than others. Today will see another day with stronger afternoon and evening winds, but not quite as strong as Monday. Gusts this afternoon in many areas will be 30-50 mph as a storm races across the area. There is a 20-60% chance of exceeding 50 mph except across closer to the Montana border, along the Utah border through the Cache Valley and Malad area, and across the Sawtooths and Frank Church. The potential is slightly higher across highest ridgelines. There is a 10-20% chance of exceeding 60 mph across the Arco Desert and 20-40% across higher ridgelines. We will keep the WIND ADVISORY going for the Snake Plain, Magic Valley, and Teton Valley. Wednesday will see lighter winds, but it still looking breezy to windy across the area. We should stay below thresholds for another Wind Advisory. Thursday looks really wind again. Current gusts over most of central and eastern Idaho area in 40-60 mph. There is a 20-50% chance of gusts over 60 mph across most of the Snake Plain and even higher potential over higher ridgelines. There is some potential for gusts over 70 mph in isolated spots, but that potential is LOW. This would be the next day we will likely need headlines for wind. A similar set up is possible on Saturday, with the potential 5-15% higher for exceeding 60 mph and 70 mph, respectively.

The potential for showers remains for higher elevations, especially across portions of the central mountains and eastern highlands. Most days will see light rain or snow amounts, although there is an uptick expected in the Sawtooths tomorrow into Thursday, and then again with storm crossing the West on Friday night into Saturday. In fact, Saturday may be the best chance of precipitation across most if not all of central and eastern Idaho. Temperatures today will be the coldest for the forecast period, with highs only in the upper 30s to mid 40s for lower valleys, 20s and 30s in the mountains. By the end of the week, highs will rebound into the 50s and 60s.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 432 AM MDT Tue Mar 10 2026

The main impacts today will be due to wind. Gusts of 30-45kt will impact BYI, IDA, and PIH. Gusts will be about 10kts lower at DIJ, and expect stronger west to northwest crosswinds at SUN as westerly flow will allow for a small window of southerly winds early in the afternoon. While there will be some clouds around, shower activity at any TAF site will be extremely limited except at DIJ. We left VCSH in that TAF from the previous forecast.

PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Wind Advisory from noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening for IDZ051>055-065.