Strong Cold Front Brings Heavy Rain, Mountain Snow, and Gusty Winds to Idaho

Dramatic warming trend expected this weekend after the storm system passes.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A powerful cold front will sweep through Idaho tonight, bringing moderate to heavy rain, mountain snow, and isolated thunderstorms before a significant warming trend arrives this weekend. The front will cross the Oregon and Idaho border around midnight, pushing through the Boise metro area between 1 and 2 a.m. Thursday, and reaching Jerome and Twin Falls between 4 and 5 a.m.

Why it matters

This storm system will create hazardous travel conditions, with the potential for rock and mudslides in steep terrain, as well as gusty winds that could cause power outages. However, the rapid warming trend expected this weekend will provide a welcome relief after the cold front passes.

The details

As the cold front moves through, it will bring an abrupt wind shift and about an hour of heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms. Cold air behind the front will cause snow levels to rapidly drop to valley floors, with rain likely changing to wet snow before ending in the Upper Treasure Valley, with about an inch of accumulation possible in the Magic Valley. Mountain areas will see 3 to 6 inches of snow, with up to 15 inches possible on the highest peaks. Following the cold front, westerly winds will increase to 45 mph in the Western Magic Valley and Camas Prairie, prompting a Wind Advisory from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday.

  • The cold front will cross the Oregon and Idaho border around midnight.
  • The front will push through the Boise metro area between 1 and 2 a.m. Thursday.
  • The front will reach Jerome and Twin Falls between 4 and 5 a.m. Thursday.

The players

Scott Dorval

A meteorologist who provided the video forecast and weather information for this story.

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What they’re saying

“A powerful cold front will sweep through the region tonight, bringing moderate to heavy rain, mountain snow, and isolated thunderstorms before a dramatic warming trend arrives this weekend.”

— Scott Dorval, Meteorologist

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This storm system highlights the unpredictable and rapidly changing weather patterns that can occur in Idaho, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prepared for sudden shifts in conditions, especially during the transition between seasons.