After a remarkably wet start to the month, a strong cold front will sweep through the region late Wednesday, bringing snow to valley floors and freezing temperatures that threaten early spring plant growth.
A remarkably wet April so far
An active weather pattern brought widespread rain and mountain snow to the area on Monday. Significant snow fell above 6,000 feet, with reports of 14 to 18 inches of accumulation. Meanwhile, Boise has recorded 2.40 inches of rainfall so far this month. With 17 days still remaining, this already ranks as the 9th wettest April on record for the Boise area.
Brief break Tuesday before the next storm
The widespread precipitation will taper off Monday evening, providing a short lull in the active weather. Light winds, clearing skies, and significant surface moisture will promote the development of patchy fog Tuesday morning, especially across Long Valley and the Treasure Valley.
The break in the weather will be short-lived. A strong low-pressure system currently over Alaska will begin moving south along the Pacific coast late Tuesday. Clouds will increase from the west, and light rain showers will develop over the mountains of southeast Oregon late Tuesday before spreading into southwest Idaho overnight.
Valley snow arrives Thursday
The main weather event arrives Wednesday ahead of a cold front. Strong southwesterly winds will create breezy conditions Wednesday afternoon, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph possible across the higher terrain and open valleys of southeast Oregon. Widespread rain is expected for the valleys through Wednesday evening, with snow levels initially remaining around 5,000 to 6,000 feet.
The cold front will pass through the region late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, bringing a sharp transition in the weather. Winds will shift to the northwest and remain gusty as a much colder air mass pours into the region…