The National Weather Service in Pocatello issued a heat advisory Friday morning for a broad swath of southeastern Idaho, warning of dangerous temperatures expected to persist through Sunday evening.
The advisory took effect at 11:15 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on July 25 and remains in effect until 9 p.m. MDT on July 26. Forecasters predict highs between 95 and 100 degrees across the affected region through Sunday afternoon.
Areas Under Alert
The heat advisory covers multiple zones across the Snake River Plain and surrounding terrain: the Eastern Magic Valley, Shoshone and Lava Beds areas, Arco and Mud Lake Desert regions, the Lower Snake River Plain, the Raft River area, Southern Hills and Albion Mountains, and the Upper Snake River Plain. Residents across Bonneville County and the broader East Idaho region fall within the warning zone.
Heat-related illness poses the primary health risk during extended periods of extreme temperatures. The National Weather Service cautioned that prolonged exposure to triple-digit conditions can trigger heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke—conditions that can develop rapidly, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Protective Measures
Health authorities recommend several precautions to reduce risk during the advisory period. Staying indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible remains the most effective strategy. Residents should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if not thirsty, and avoid unnecessary time in direct sunlight, particularly during afternoon hours when temperatures peak.
The advisory also urges residents to check on elderly relatives, neighbors living alone, and others who may be at higher risk during extreme heat events. Heat-related emergencies can develop without warning, making peer support and regular contact valuable safeguards.
Outdoor workers, athletes, and others who cannot remain indoors should take frequent breaks in shaded or cooled areas, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and monitor themselves and coworkers for signs of heat illness, including dizziness, nausea, confusion, or cessation of sweating.
What Comes Next
The heat advisory is scheduled to expire at 9 p.m. Sunday. Residents should monitor National Weather Service updates for any extensions or modifications to the alert. Cooling centers may activate in local communities if the advisory is extended or intensified; residents should contact their city or county emergency management office for current information on available resources.
Extreme heat events can be life-threatening. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat illness—including severe headache, rapid pulse, hot dry skin, or loss of consciousness—should seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Heat emergencies can develop rapidly and require urgent intervention.