Heat Advisory Issued for Southeast Idaho Through Weekend
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the region on July 7, with dangerously high temperatures expected to persist through the weekend. Sunday daytime highs at lower elevations are forecast to approach 100 degrees, with readings running 10 to 15 degrees above normal seasonal levels. Above-average temperatures, including elevated overnight lows, are expected to continue throughout July.
In response to the extended heat event, Pocatello city officials have opened multiple cooling shelters across the community to provide residents relief from the extreme conditions.
Cooling Shelter Locations and Hours
Pocatello City Hall Lobby operates as a primary cooling center, offering access from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The facility provides bottled water and electrical outlets for charging devices.
Marshall Public Library functions as a cooling shelter with extended hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed on Sundays.
Pocatello Animal Services has designated a cooling space for residents who need to bring pets. The facility operates 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; it is closed Sundays.
Episcopal Church Downtown provides a cooling shelter during limited Sunday hours, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and offers meals to attendees.
Housing Alliance and Community Partnerships Christensen Court Community Room operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering electrical plug-ins and bottled water to visitors.
Health and Safety Precautions
Extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, and confusion. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors and relatives who may be at higher risk.
The availability of multiple cooling centers allows residents throughout Pocatello to access air-conditioned spaces during the most dangerous parts of the day. Those without reliable air conditioning at home are encouraged to utilize these community resources.
What Comes Next
Residents should monitor National Weather Service forecasts for updates on the heat advisory duration and expected temperature trends. Above-normal conditions are anticipated to extend beyond the initial advisory period into mid-July. City officials will continue operating cooling shelters as long as elevated temperatures persist. Community members are urged to take heat safety seriously and to reach out to local services if they or someone they know needs assistance during this extended period of extreme temperatures.