039
FXUS65 KPIH 102240
AFDPIH

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pocatello ID
440 PM MDT Tue Mar 10 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Active Wind Headlines: A Wind Advisory remains in effect
  through this evening, though conditions have remained
  relatively subdued thus far compared to yesterday

- 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

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 429 PM MDT Tue Mar 10 2026

Strong wind gusts have not quite materialized in the upper Snake
River Plain this afternoon as expected, likely due to the lower
level clouds and snow showers. So, have gone ahead and
cancelled the Wind Advisory for the northern portion of the area
while continuing it for the southern half where gusts remain
around 40-45 mph.

&&

.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 /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 429 PM MDT Tue Mar 10 2026

Gusty winds of 30 to 35 kts will continue at BYI and PIH for the
next few hours with gusts of 15 to 20 kts at SUN, IDA, and DIJ
until winds diminish tonight. Snow showers will also linger at
DIJ until 02-03Z this evening, with conditions improving after
that. Overall, VFR conditions are expected overnight and
throughout the day on Wednesday. There will be another small
chance of showers at DIJ again Wednesday evening, but it looks
to be after 00Z Thursday, so some VCSH may need to be added in
the next round of TAFs. Winds will increase again on Wednesday
afternoon, though not quite as windy as today, with gusts
generally around 20 to 30 kts.

&&

.PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Advisory until 9 PM MDT this evening for IDZ051-054-055.

&&

$$

UPDATE...AMM
DISCUSSION...McKaughan
AVIATION...AMM