textproduct: Pocatello

KEY MESSAGES

- High-Impact Winds Thursday and Saturday: Confidence is very high that more rounds of strong winds will require headlines on Thursday and again Saturday, with potential for High Wind Warnings in some zones - Light Mountain Precipitation: High-elevation snow and rain remain possible through the week, primarily confined to the central mountains and eastern highlands

- Significant Spring Warm-up: A major warming trend begins Thursday and intensifies by early next week, with high- elevation temperatures climbing and valley highs potentially reaching the 60s and 70s

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1245 PM MDT Tue Mar 10 2026

Visible satellite imagery this afternoon depicts widespread cloud cover across the region, which has contributed to much cooler temperatures and a slight decrease in wind speeds compared to previous days. While a Wind Advisory remains in effect through the afternoon, surface observations have remained somewhat subdued with gusts generally holding in the 30-35 mph range. However, any intermittent breaks in the cloud cover could allow for better mixing, potentially intensifying these winds briefly before sunset. Scattered light snow has been observed falling from mid-level clouds across the upper Snake River Plain, but the bulk of any measurable precipitation will stay anchored to the higher terrain of the central mountains and eastern highlands, where accumulations are expected to remain light. As we head into tonight, clearing skies will allow for a chilly night with lows dropping into the teens and 20s for most locations. Wednesday will offer a brief reprieve; while it will remain seasonal and breezy, we expect to avoid the need for additional wind headlines. This tranquil period will be short- lived, however, as a robust weather system arrives on Thursday. Very windy conditions are expected across the entire region, and the necessity for a Wind Advisory is nearly certain. Some zones may even approach High Wind Watch or Warning criteria. To avoid confusion with todays active advisory, we have held off on issuing new headlines for Thursday with this package, but they will likely be introduced in subsequent updates. Along with the wind, Thursday marks the beginning of a noticeable upward trend in temperatures that will persist through the first half of the weekend. While Friday and Saturday look to remain breezy to windylikely requiring further headlinesthe overall pattern remains dominated by a zonal flow aloft. This trajectory will keep the most significant moisture to our north, limiting precipitation chances to the higher terrain through the work week. A passing upper-level trough to our northeast on Saturday could spark a few scattered showers in the valleys, but more widespread activity will stay in the mountains. After a minor temperature dip on Sunday, a powerful ridge builds in for the start of next week. This will usher in genuine spring-like warmth and drier conditions, with highs in the 60s and 70s increasingly likely for the lower elevations as temperatures climb well above seasonal normals.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 922 PM MDT Tue Mar 10 2026

Skies are clearing and winds are weakening for the overnight. Not anticipating major impacts overnight. Winds should pick back up around 17-18z once again on Wednesday with lowering clouds late in the afternoon.

PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.