textproduct: Pocatello

KEY MESSAGES

- Impactful Winter Weather: A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the central mountains and eastern highlands, where impactful snow is expected through tomorrow.

- High-Elevation Snowfall: Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are probable for mountain passes, with up to 1 to 2 feet possible on the highest peaks, particularly in the Sawtooths and Bear River Range.

- Windy Thursday: A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Snake Plain, Magic Valley, Teton Valley, and South Hills for gusts up to 50 mph.

- Holiday Weekend Warm-up: Following a cold and wet Thursday, a high-pressure ridge will usher in a significant warming trend, with 70-degree temperatures possible by early next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 236 AM MDT Thu Apr 2 2026

Overnight satellite imagery and radar imagery shows widespread cloud cover across the area with widespread precipitation occurring across our area ahead of the cold front. The cold front is still approaching our area and is currently in a line just west of Stanley to just east of Mountain home. This cold front will continue moving eastern through the day exiting our area into Wyoming by mid to late morning.

High-resolution guidance continues to show this front moving through with the morning commute along the interstate corridors, bringing a rapid transition from rain to snow. Look for the front to move through Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Idaho Falls between 7 am to 9am. While this early morning rainfall will saturate the ground, the arrival of the cold front will drive snow levels down to valley floors. Significant valley accumulations appear unlikely due to marginal temperatures and wet roads. However, a few tenths of an inch remain possible, especially if convective elements develop along the frontal boundary. Eastern bench areas across the Snake Plain could receive 1 to 2 inches of wet snow. Behind the front, temperatures will struggle, with afternoon highs only reaching the mid-30s to lower 40s. Models do show a weak convergence band dropping down the Snake plain around 5 to 9 pm this evening. This band looks to reach Idaho Falls around 6 pm and Blackfoot around 7 pm. So far, models show this band moving east before hitting Pocatello. Snow of 1 to 2 inches is possible along this convergence band this evening.

The most substantial impacts will be focused in the high country, where a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the central mountains and eastern highlands. While elevations around 6,500 feetincluding Stanley, Ketchum, and Island Parkcan expect 2 to 6 inches of snow, the heaviest totals will be found above 8,000 feet. Mountain passes in the 6,5008,500 foot range are progged to receive 6 to 12 inches, while the highest peaks of the Sawtooths could see around 1.5 to 2 feet of fresh accumulation due to favorable upslope flow. Compounding the winter weather will be widespread winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph across the Snake Plain and South Hills, making for a generally unpleasant day across the region. A wind advisory remains in effect for the Snake Plain, Arco Desert, Shoshone area, Eastern Magic Valley and the Southern/Albion hills/mtns.

Thankfully, this system is progressive. The upper low is forecast to shift quickly into Wyoming by Friday, allowing precipitation to taper off and skies to begin clearing by late afternoon/early evening Friday. While Friday remains below seasonal norms, it will be notably milder than Thursday before a more robust warming trend takes hold for the weekend. Strong high pressure will dominate the Intermountain West through early next week, ensuring dry conditions and a rapid climb in temperatures. Valley highs in the 60s this weekend are expected to give way to the 70s by Monday and Tuesday. Looking further ahead, the pattern may become unsettled again by mid-week next week, though significant uncertainty remains regarding the timing and strength of any subsequent disturbances.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 534 AM MDT Thu Apr 2 2026

Expect MVFR/IFR and brief LIFR conditions for all sites this morning with the exception of SUN as a cold front moves through the area. SUN will likely become VFR in the next hour. DIJ will likely hold on to snow showers this afternoon into early evening. Winds will pick up for all sites this morning and especially this afternoon behind the cold front. Expect gusts up to around 35 to 40 kts for BYI, PIH and IDA this afternoon. Gusts of up to around 25 kts are expected for DIJ and SUN. Models continue to show a convergence band drop down from the Montana divide early this evening impacting IDA and SUN. Currently models show this band moving east before impacting PIH. However, brief MVFR/IFR conditions are possible for PIH in addition to IDA and DIJ, if this convergence drops slightly more south this evening. Currently models are not showing a wind shift at the surface for IDA and DIJ (and PIH). However, its likely a northerly wind is possible for a few hours early this evening, especially for IDA and DIJ.

PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Wind Advisory until 9 PM MDT this evening for IDZ051>057-065. Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT Friday for IDZ060-063- 064-066. Winter Weather Advisory until 6 PM MDT this evening for IDZ071>074.