Inclement Weather, Heat Threaten July 4th Weekend Celebrations

Around 48 million people will travel for Independence Day, but the weekend promises extremely hot and unpredictable weather in many areas of the U.S. that could threaten plans and celebrations.

Still, across the U.S. Independence Day largely promises to be a nice, sunny day with high temperatures. The weekend leading up to July 4th, however, may not be as forgiving weather-wise.

While there is some rain predicted for the Western region, the Northeast and East Coast regions will experience more rain into the weekend. This includes states as far south as Pennsylvania all the way north to Maine.

Still, the weekend promises high temperatures in many areas though some will stay close to the 70s. By the tail end of the weekend, the temperatures should cool to the 70s and lower 80s for Monday’s celebrations.

Farther south in the Mid-Atlantic region will also see rain throughout the weekend, but more severe than in the North-Eastern region. There are level 2 to 5 risks of severe weather across the region while D.C. is under a flood watch. The weather will also be warmer all weekend and into Monday, which promises temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s, but sunny.

The same is not true for the South East and Appalachian regions, with Tropical Storm Colin coming into the Carolinas. There will be pop-up thunderstorms from Saturday into Sunday across the region. Temperatures should sit in the 90s throughout the weekend. The highest chance for rain is on Saturday, according to CNN.

The Midwest and Plains region promise wind and thunderstorms for much of the weekend, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s much of the region. However, a few regions will experience higher temperatures into the 100s, especially in Texas and Oklahoma. By July 4th, only a few thunderstorms will scatter across the region as the monsoon season is in full swing for many areas, according to The New York Times.

These conditions could impact travel for many in the U.S. as storms pop up across the East and Central U.S., but farther West promises sunnier but hotter conditions.

In the western U.S., the worsening drought conditions along with extreme heat could play a role in planned celebrations, including fireworks demonstrations. The threat of a potential wildfire starting from the use of unregulated firework and barbeque equipment is a serious hazard in such conditions.

There is also the possibility of “dry thunderstorms” which could also start fires as well, according to The Washington Post.

Outside of the mainland U.S., Alaska will see rain throughout the weekend with temperatures in the 50s and 60s on average. However, central and eastern Alaska could see temperatures in the 90s. The warm and dry conditions predicted for July 4th in that area place the region at increased fire risk.

Hawaii will see nice temperatures for the holiday weekend, though there is always a chance of passing showers.

Passengers with a baby use a Delta Air Lines check-in kiosk at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of the Fourth of July holiday in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., July 1, 2022. Photo: Reuters / ELIJAH NOUVELAGE