Weather

Cold Spring Makes For Slow Melt, But Idaho Water Supply Remains Low

Frankie Barnhill — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Later today, the Natural Resources Conservation Service will release a full report on snowpack and water levels in Idaho so far this year. The report will help paint a clearer picture of a complicated water scenario.

Water specialist Ron Abramovich says this year’s snowpack started off strong, but quickly dropped off. That makes for diverse stream levels.

New Study Shows Increase In Stormy Weather In Western Washington

Ashley Ahearn — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:58:30 +0000

Climate change will affect different regions of the country in different ways. In the Southwest it may get warmer and drier. In the Northwest, however, climate models predict it getting warmer and wetter. That means less snow and more rain. It could also mean more stormy weather.

The Northwest is famous for its steady gray drizzle. But for violent storms and down pours? Not so much. But that might be changing.

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis looked at rainfall data gathered at 13 sites around the U.S. over the last 70 years or so.

Ice Storm Slams Idaho's Capitol City

Samantha Wright — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:00:48 +0000

The National Weather Service calls this morning an “historic freezing rain event.” A spokesman says Boise was the hardest hit by the ice. The conditions closed schools, highways, and caused cars to slip and slide. The Ada County Sheriff’s Office reports more than 41 crashes this morning and 32 slide offs or stalled cars.

Salt Lake City Airport Partially Reopens

Associated Press — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:24:54 +0000

UPDATE: SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Salt Lake City International Airport has partially reopened after closing for more than three hours because of freezing rain and icy conditions that caused a Frontier airplane to slide on the runway during landing.

Airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann says one of the three runways reopened at about 12:45 p.m. on Thursday. The other two remain closed.

I-84 Reopens, Freezing Rain Contines To Impact Idaho Roads, Schools

Scott Graf — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:46:50 +0000

Updated 2:55 p.m.

Overnight freezing rain in southwestern Idaho led to slick roads, accidents, road closures, and school cancelations. Interstate 84 is now open after being closed for several hours this morning for more than 80 miles between east Boise and Bliss. That affected east and westbound lanes.

Snow Prompts Many Schools Around Treasure Valley To Close Today

Sadie Babits — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:11:15 +0000

It's a snow day for many schools in the Treasure Valley including the Boise School District. Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell schools are just some of the districts that have closed for the day. Boise State University remains open.

College of Western Idaho classes and office buildings will start late at 10 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that will remain in effect through 9 a.m.

National Weather Service Considers Change In Alert Language

Scott Graf — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:37:59 +0000

The National Weather Service is seeking input from the public on new language it’s considering for weather alerts. Traditionally, forecasters use words like “warning”, “watch” and “advisory”. But not everyone understands exactly what each term means.

So 26 Weather Service offices across the country have started a pilot program to use some new language that explains in greater detail what weather is being predicted. The program got underway earlier this month.

Snow Predicted For Weekend, Ski Areas Could Get 12 Inches

Frankie Barnhill — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 00:00:29 +0000

The National Weather Service in Boise is predicting winter weather conditions for much of southern Idaho this weekend.

Up to a foot of snow could accumulate at McCall's Brundage Mountain, which opened today. Bogus Basin, near Boise, could receive up to 10 inches.

Meteorologist Colleen Decker says the snow will begin between midnight on Saturday and into early Sunday morning.

High Winds, Heavy Rain Pummel The Northwest

Chris Lehman — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 21:01:52 +0000

High winds and heavy rain are pummeling the Northwest Monday. Downed trees and floodwaters have closed countless roads, making the evening commute a difficult one.

I'm standing on a bridge over Mill Creek in downtown Salem, and the waters are definitely on the rise. This particular location is of special interest to me since my house is about a block away from here.

Earlier this year during a major flooding event here in Salem, I had to fill some sandbags and put them around the back door to keep the floodwaters at bay.

Long Overdue Rain Creates Flood Worries In Idaho's West Central Mountains

Sadie Babits — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:51:00 +0000

There's a hint of sage in the air this morning as rain falls across the Treasure Valley. These long overdue rain showers today though have created concerns for floods and mudslides.

Smoke Creating Vicious Cycle In NW Skies, Says Forecaster

Jessica Robinson — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:19:26 +0000

The fight against numerous large fires in central Washington is turning the corner. Since the weekend, fire bosses have been able to release nearly 400 firefighters from the blazes near Wenatchee.

But forecasters say it may be a while before the Inland Northwest sees clear, blue skies again.

U.S. Forest Service researcher Miriam Rorig says smoke projections show poor conditions east of the Cascades hanging on through the week and spreading into north Idaho.

Forecasters Say Northwest's Dry Weather Will Continue

Chris Lehman — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:36:47 +0000

It hasn't been your imagination. It's been really dry in the Northwest this summer. In fact, it's been mid-July since Seattle, Portland and Boise have recorded any measurable precipitation.

Summers are typically dry in this part of the country, but this stretch is almost one for the record books. And it looks like the dry spell should continue, says National Weather Service forecaster Liana Ramirez.

Storify: Severe Storms Move Across Treasure Valley

Sadie Babits — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:38:29 +0000

Thousands of Idaho Power customers lost power as a major storm ushered in Tuesday's cold front. Wind gusts were, at times, as fast as a car on the highway. Below you'll find some of the tweets and photos as this storm moved across the Treasure Valley.

Severe Thunderstorms Usher In Cold Weather

Sadie Babits — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 22:54:06 +0000

Sure it's been warm and balmy today throughout much of Idaho with highs in the 80s. But tomorrow, you'll be grabbing a jacket as you head out the door for work.

Record Highs Then A Steep Drop. “That’s Spring In Idaho.”

Adam Cotterell — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:29:40 +0000

Sunday saw record high temperatures for much of southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. In Boise it got to 91 degrees. That unusual heat brings a chance of thunderstorms for much of this week. But the temperature won’t stay at record levels long. Later in the week highs will likely drop to the 50s.