The National Weather Service warned Thursday that strong to severe thunderstorms were expected to sweep across southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho through the afternoon and evening, with wind gusts that could reach 70 mph and storms capable of producing golf ball-sized hail, blowing dust and even a tornado. Forecasters said all of eastern Oregon and much of southwest Idaho had been upgraded to a Major Red Risk for severe weather.
The warning came as a severe Thunderstorm Warning continued for Harney County, Oregon, until 2:30 p.m. PDT, underscoring how broad and active the weather pattern had become. NWS Boise said the day’s hazards could include large hail, dangerous wind and rapidly changing conditions, part of a stretch that has already made Wednesday one of the more active weather days this week across southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon.
Wednesday’s setup was tied to a slow-moving upper low parked over the Great Basin, which kept the region unsettled and raised the chance for strong thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening. Temperatures were expected to climb 10 to 20 degrees warmer than Tuesday, with valley highs reaching the low to mid-80s, while storms could still generate gusts up to 60 mph, small hail, brief heavy rain and blowing dust that could cut visibility.
Breezy southeast winds were expected throughout Wednesday, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph, adding another layer of risk to an already unstable forecast. Similar storm chances were expected Thursday, when the threat intensified further and forecasters warned that conditions could support another round of gusty winds and strong thunderstorms across the same broad area.
The biggest concern centered on Thursday afternoon and evening, when severe thunderstorms were expected to develop across southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho. Forecasts called for potential wind gusts of 70 mph, and meteorologists said the severe weather threat could include isolated large hail and tornadoes as the system moved through. The Major Red Risk designation signaled that the region faced a high-end severe weather day, not just an isolated storm or two.
Friday was expected to stay unsettled, with additional showers and thunderstorms possible and coverage increasing enough to bring localized heavy rain. Conditions were then expected to improve on Saturday, before a warmer and drier pattern takes over next week. For now, the message from forecasters is clear: the danger does not end with one round of storms, and Boise weather remains on a severe track through the end of the week.
