National Weather ServiceIdahoFire Weather WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Fire Weather Watches in Idaho
The National Weather Service issued 7 fire weather watches for Idaho in 2025 and 16 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 18th most of any state. 2026 through September: 21, 33% above the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Upper Snake River Valley/Idaho Falls BLM was covered most often (77 times since 2008).
How many fire weather watches does Idaho get?
Every fire weather watch that covered part of Idaho. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 21 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2008 | 26 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Idaho get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Idaho?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Snake River Valley/Idaho Falls BLM | 77 | 5 | August 1, 2026 |
| Lemhi and Lost River Range/Challis NF | 66 | 4 | August 1, 2026 |
| East Salmon River Mountains/Salmon NF | 57 | 4 | August 1, 2026 |
| Caribou Range/Caribou NF | 54 | 5 | June 20, 2026 |
| Owyhee Mountains | 49 | 22 | September 18, 2026 |
| Southern Highlands | 47 | 18 | September 12, 2026 |
| Eastern Payette National Forest | 46 | 9 | August 13, 2026 |
| Western Payette National Forest | 45 | 7 | August 13, 2026 |
| Goose Creek and Raft River Valley/Southern Sawtooth NF/Twin Falls BLM south of the Snake River | 43 | 10 | September 12, 2026 |
| Middle Snake River Valley/Twin Falls BLM north of the Snake River | 43 | 7 | August 1, 2026 |
| Northern Boise National Forest | 41 | 7 | September 18, 2026 |
| Northern Boise BLM | 37 | 8 | August 13, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a fire weather watch?
A fire weather watch means critical fire weather conditions are possible in the coming days; it often comes before a red flag warning. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Idaho.