The Magic Valley is currently being choked by smoke from around Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, but the skies will clear soon according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Winds out of the northwest carried smoke from large fires in Idaho, Oregon and Washington and upper-level winds brought smoke from a number of wildfires in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

According to the Associated Press (AP), crews are working to prevent the Whiskey Complex, about 18 lightning-sparked fires in rugged terrain in the Boise National Forest, from burning all summer.

Farther north in Central Idaho, the lightning-caused Preacher Fire has scorched nearly 50 square miles, burning quickly through grass and brush. But yesterday fire managers said they had made good progress and estimated the 33,000-acre blaze southwest of Carey would be contained by the weekend.

Seventeen miles east of Lowman, smokejumpers and a Hotshot crew are working on the remote Blue Jay Fire, which is about 100 acres.

Earlier in the week, NOAA predicted thunderstorms by Friday that could help clear out the smoke, but dry west-northwest winds have pushed the monsoonal air well south of Twin Falls and into Northern Nevada. Expect dry, hot, and smoky conditions through Sunday, with breezy winds in the afternoons. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday night (Jul 20) and Monday (Jul 21).

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