textproduct: Pocatello

KEY MESSAGES

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

- Wind Advisories in Effect: A Wind Advisory continues this afternoon, with another issued for tomorrow as sustained winds of 30+ mph and higher gusts are expected

- 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 1250 PM MDT Mon Mar 9 2026

Visible satellite imagery this afternoon reveals ample sunshine across the region, punctuated only by thin ribbons of mid-to- high level clouds streaming over the central mountains and along the Continental Divide. While the aesthetics are pleasant, wind remains the dominant weather story for Eastern Idaho today and will likely maintain its grip for the duration of the week. The current Wind Advisory remains in effect through this afternoon, and a subsequent advisory has been issued for tomorrow to cover many of the same areas. Although the latest NBM (National Blend of Models) probabilities have backed off slightly compared to todays values, we still anticipate sustained winds exceeding 30 mph. These winds will shift a bit more to the south tomorrow, spatially, which could leave the upper Snake Plain out for tomorrow. While todays temperatures are running above seasonal averages, a sharp, temporary drop is expected tomorrow. This cooling will be short-lived, however, as the region returns to a warming trend by midweek that intensifies into the weekend. Wednesday currently stands as the only day this week where a Wind Advisory might be avoided, though even then, conditions will be marginal. A tight pressure gradient will remain anchored over the area through the weekend, making further wind highlights a near-certainty for Thursday, with high probabilities continuing Friday and Saturday. Regarding precipitation, the lower elevations should remain largely dry through the week, save for a few isolated shower chances tomorrow and again on Saturday. Most moisture will stay confined to the higher terrain of the central mountains and eastern highlands. This is due to a quick zonal flow regime that allows occasional pulses of Pacific moisture to stream through the higher latitudes. Despite the persistent wind, the secondary headline is the arrival of genuine spring-like warmth. Highs in the 60s are likely for the weekend with even lower 70s possible into early next week, marking a significant shift in the seasonal pattern.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 436 PM MDT Mon Mar 9 2026

Despite the cold front today, it's a dry cold front and very little in the way of clouds, let along CIG/VSBY for this afternoon and into the evening. This changes somewhat overnight as a second trough slides through the region. However, little to no SHRA/SHSN is expected, save for in the mountains surrounding KDIJ, and not until the late morning and afternoon. Should have no impact on VSBY as it will be SHRA at airport elevation there. Elsewhere, VSBY is likewise unaffected and if CIGs develop, they should remain solid VFR with KIDA and KPIH getting under 6000ft AGL for CIGs. The rest may observe cirriform CIGs at worst.

The main forecast problem will continue to be the wind, however. Guidance indicates a switch gets flipped around 10/01Z, where wind subsides, mainly due to frontal passage and loss of insolation. However, it still stays at 10G20KT or 15G25KT for a few more hours. There are Wind Advisories in effect for the areas that cover KPIH and KBYI on Tue, but currently only have G30KT indicated by individual guidance. KIDA should also peak at 20G30KT, then KDIJ and KSUN peak tomorrow around 15G25KT; directions should be northwest for KSUN, which is good, and southwest to west for KDIJ, which is likely why SHRA could be around, coming off of the surrounding mountains. KBYI, KPIH, and KIDA will primarily have westerly wind for the peak in the afternoon.

PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Wind Advisory until 8 PM MDT this evening for IDZ051>055-065. Wind Advisory from noon to 8 PM MDT Tuesday for IDZ051-052-054- 055.