Happy Friday! As we wrap up the work week, we can look forward to some changes coming in for the weekend. While some may have enjoyed the rainy days, many of us are eager for a return to warmer temperatures and sunshine. The Treasure Valley will experience an unseasonably cool weekend, with highs in the low to mid 40s on Saturday and reaching the upper 40s and lower 50s on Sunday. For reference, the average high in Boise is around 60°.
A low pressure system positioned just southwest near Winnemucca, Nevada is causing mixed precipitation across the Snake River Plain. This wraparound moisture is bringing heavy, wet snow to higher elevations above 5000 feet, resulting in reports of 4-6 inches of snow in Long Valley and leading to downed trees and power lines. The threat of power outages, downed branches, and power lines will continue into the night for the west central mountains with additional snowfall expected. Mountain valleys, including McCall, can anticipate an additional 3-5 inches by Saturday evening, while the mountains are likely to receive another 6-10 inches.
Light rain showers persist for the remainder of Friday evening in the Treasure Valley, transitioning to snow as colder air moves in overnight. Less than a half an inch of snow is anticipated in the valley, primarily accumulating on grassy areas. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through noon Saturday for the Owyhees and the Southwest Highlands, with an additonal 2-4 inches of snow likely. Bogus Basin is expected to receive an additional 6-10 inches of snowfall through Saturday evening.
In the Magic Valley, a strong westerly breeze will pick up by Saturday morning. A Wind Advisory is in place for the Magic Valley and Camas Prairie from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Saturday, highlighting the potential of gusts exceeding 50mph. Be sure to secure any loose objects on your property before you head off to bed!
Breezy conditions continue on Sunday but mostly sunny skies are anticipated throughout the region as high pressure builds in. There will be a gradual warming trend next week, with sunny to mostly sunny skies each afternoon. By next Wednesday, temperatures could climb to 70°!
