Severe Boise Weather brings 60 mph winds and hail Wednesday

Boise weather turns more unsettled Wednesday, with strong thunderstorms possible through the afternoon and evening across southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon. The highest risk for stronger storms is north and west of Boise, where wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph.

A slow-moving upper low remains parked over the Great Basin, and that setup is helping keep the region active. Valley highs are expected to reach the low to mid-80s Wednesday, 10 to 20 degrees warmer than Tuesday.

West of Boise Wednesday

The strongest storms are most likely across southeast Oregon and west-central Idaho, especially north and west of Boise. Those storms could bring small hail, brief periods of heavy rain and blowing dust that cuts visibility.

Breezy southeast winds are expected throughout the day, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph. The strongest southeast winds are expected across southeast Oregon and areas south of Boise, adding to the chance for difficult driving conditions even before the heavier storms arrive.

Thursday and Friday Outlook

Similar storm chances continue Thursday, and shower and thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase by Friday. Localized heavy rain is possible before temperatures cool heading into the weekend.

For anyone traveling or working outdoors in the Boise area, the most practical expectation is a changing sky through Wednesday evening and another round of storm chances after that. The afternoon and evening window carries the clearest risk for the strongest wind, dust and hail.