Springtime Snow and Cold Temperatures Coming to Eastern Idaho

Freeze watch issued as region braces for overnight freezing temps and light snowfall.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:43pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and white, capturing the vast, sublime scale of a rural Idaho scene under a heavy, foreboding sky, with any physical structures or objects obscured by the dramatic weather conditions.As a late-season cold snap brings the threat of freezing temperatures and light snowfall to eastern Idaho, the region braces for the unpredictable nature of springtime weather.Idaho Falls Today

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a freeze watch for eastern Idaho, with cold temperatures expected to drop below freezing on Thursday night through Saturday night. Light snowfall ranging from a tenth of an inch to two inches is also likely across the Snake River Plain, with higher amounts expected in areas north of Pocatello towards Idaho Falls and Rexburg.

Why it matters

Springtime snow and freezing temperatures can pose risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety in eastern Idaho. While not an uncommon occurrence, these late-season weather events can still cause disruptions and require preparedness measures from local residents and officials.

The details

Meteorologist Dawn Harmon says the freeze watch may be upgraded to a freeze warning, as temperatures are expected to dip to or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulk of the snowfall is expected to occur Thursday evening and overnight, with higher amounts in northern areas. Daytime highs on Thursday will hover around 40 degrees, warming up to the mid-40s to upper-40s on Friday before reaching the mid-50s by Saturday.

  • The freeze watch will be in effect from Thursday night through Friday at 10 a.m.
  • Light snowfall is expected on Thursday, with higher amounts likely in the evening and overnight hours.

The players

National Weather Service in Pocatello

The regional office of the National Weather Service that issued the freeze watch and forecast for eastern Idaho.

Dawn Harmon

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pocatello who provided details on the upcoming weather conditions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Anything southwest of Pocatello, you're looking at lower snow amounts. As you move north toward Idaho Falls and Rexburg, those amounts climb a little bit.'”

— Dawn Harmon, Meteorologist

“'Temperatures will warm up a little bit as we move into Friday, and most of the system starts to shift through. We're looking at mid-40s to upper-40s, depending on location. Back up into the mid 50s by Saturday and really nice on Sunday.'”

— Dawn Harmon, Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and may upgrade the freeze watch to a freeze warning if conditions warrant.

The takeaway

This late-season cold snap and snowfall event is a reminder that eastern Idaho's spring weather can still bring surprises, requiring residents and officials to stay vigilant and prepared for potential impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety.