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 /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1131 AM MDT Mon Mar 9 2026

The impact through Tuesday will be the winds. Expect VFR sky conditions through the period. Expect sustained 30 knot winds at PIH and IDA this afternoon with 15 to 25 sustained at SUN, DIJ and BYI. Gusts over 40 knots at PIH and IDA and 25 to 35 at the other three sites. Expect diminishing winds after 03Z at all the sites than increasing again substantially late Tuesday morning to the 15 to 30 knot sustained with gusts 25 to 40 knots. Winds conditions expected all week.

PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Wind Advisory until 8 PM MDT this evening for IDZ051>055-065.