Honestly, if you stepped outside in Idaho Falls today, you probably noticed it’s not exactly the frozen tundra we usually expect this deep into January.
The 7 day forecast idaho falls is looking surprisingly stable, but don't let that fool you into thinking winter is packing its bags early. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re sitting at a high of 33°F with a low tonight of 17°F. It's sunny. It’s crisp. But according to the latest data from the National Weather Service, this little stretch of "mild" weather is basically the calm before a potential shift.
We’re in this weird pocket where the sun is out, the UV index is a measly 1, and the wind is just a gentle 5 mph crawl from the south. It feels... nice. Too nice?
What’s Actually Happening Over the Next Week?
If you’re planning your week, Sunday is actually going to be the "heat wave" of the bunch. We’re looking at a high of 36°F tomorrow, January 18. Still clear skies, still 17°F at night. It’s perfect for hitting the Snake River Greenbelt, provided you’ve got a decent coat.
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But then Monday, January 19, things start to settle back into that familiar Idaho chill. The high drops back to 33°F, and the low hits 15°F.
The Mid-Week "Maybe" Snow
By Tuesday and Wednesday (January 20-21), the clouds start moving back in. We’re talking partly sunny days with highs hovering right at that 33°F mark. Interestingly, while the daytime precipitation chance is only about 10%, we’re seeing a shift toward more cloud cover as we head into Thursday.
Thursday, January 22, stays mostly cloudy with a high of 35°F. It’s the kind of weather that feels heavier than it looks.
The Friday Shift: Why You Should Watch the 23rd
The real change in the 7 day forecast idaho falls shows up next Friday, January 23. That’s when the clouds really take over. We’re looking at a high of 36°F and a low of 25°F, but the wind is picking up to about 9 mph.
More importantly, there’s a 25% chance of snow showers during both the day and night. It’s not a blizzard, but after a week of dry, sunny skies, those slick spots on I-15 are going to catch people off guard.
Historically, Idaho Falls in January averages a high of about 29°F. We are currently tracking a few degrees above that average. Meteorologists at the NWS Pocatello office have been keeping an eye on this "snow drought" we’ve been having. Even though we had some decent dumps earlier in the month, January 2026 has been characterized by more "rain-heavy" mixes in the lower elevations.
Real Talk on the "Snow Drought"
Erin Whorton, a water supply specialist for NRCS Idaho, recently noted that most of Idaho is actually in a snow drought because of these warmer-than-normal temperatures. When it’s 33°F or 36°F in town, that often means the moisture we should be getting as snow is either staying in the clouds or falling as a gross, slushy rain-mix.
For those of us living here, that’s a bit of a double-edged sword.
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- Pros: Shoveling is at a minimum this week. Your car actually starts in the morning.
- Cons: It’s bad news for the local reservoirs and the ski hills that rely on a deep pack to survive through March.
Survival Tips for the Week Ahead
Look, it’s easy to get complacent when the sun is out. But 15°F on Monday night is still "pipe-bursting" weather if you aren't careful. The Idaho Falls Fire Department has been putting out reminders that winter fire risks actually go up during these cold snaps because everyone cranks their space heaters.
Basically, keep the heaters away from the curtains and don't use your oven to warm up the kitchen. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.
Also, watch out for "freezing fog." Even when the sky looks clear, the humidity (which is sitting around 70% today) can flash-freeze on the roads.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your tire pressure today—dramatic temperature swings from 36°F down to 15°F will make that "low air" light pop on. If you’re heading out next Friday, give yourself an extra 10 minutes for the commute; that 25% snow chance is just enough to turn the roads into an ice rink.