Idaho

Low snowfall this season could signal upcoming drought

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

Low snowfall this season could signal upcoming drought

Despite some cold snaps, this winter season has been unusually warm for Idaho. This year’s El Niño weather pattern might signal an upcoming drought.

So far this season, snowfall in Idaho’s mountains has been about half what it was last year.

“That’s a warning sign that Idaho and much of the Pacific Northwest may be seeing worsening drought conditions,” said Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jay Breidenbach from the National Weather Service in Boise.

Less snow in the winter means the state can expect a dry summer and low water supplies, he said.

Most precipitation in Idaho happens during the winter. He says it would have to snow about twice as much as it usually does between now and April to refill the water supplies by spring and that’s unlikely to happen.

“If we don’t have the snow that normally falls,” Breidenbach said. “Then we have trouble filling the reservoirs. And, when it comes to our hot, dry summer, then we may not have enough water. “

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports abnormally dry conditions in central Idaho and moderate to severe drought in the panhandle.

Most Idahoans live below reservoirs. Lower water levels as the snow melts means less water downstream.

“That certainly would have an impact on people who use that water and need that water for their livelihoods,” he said.

Breidenbach said these warmer temperatures are most likely triggered by El Niño, a cyclical weather pattern that occurs roughly every two to seven years.

Idaho can still look forward to some cold and wet periods this winter. Breidenbach said to expect snowfall this weekend and next week though it’s clear if that cold weather will continue long enough to increase the snowpack.

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Idaho

Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

Published

7 hours ago

February 28, 2026

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Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.

According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.

The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.

One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:

“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”

There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.

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Idaho

Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Published

19 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Idaho takes pride in being a no-THC zone. Unlike our neighbors on all sides, the Gem State has taken a firm stance not to legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for years. This opposition long extended to the legalization of hemp, a plant relative of marijuana with far lower levels of the intoxicating chemical […]

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Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Feb. 26, 2026

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

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The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-5

Night: 3-0-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-4-2

Night: 9-7-2-1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

04-21-25-30-34

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

03-14-22-50-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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