Weather conditions may dampen Independence Day weekend travel and celebrations

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Thunderstorms could disrupt holiday plans for millions of Americans looking to celebrate the Fourth of July as much of the country is experiencing scorching heat, severe storms and dense smoke.

Weather throughout the extended holiday weekend will be hot, humid and could lead to storm development for several locations across the country, according to an update of the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday.

Excessive heat will also be present from the Desert Southwest into interior California and the interior Northwest.

Well above-average temperatures will develop across the upper Midwest by the July 4th holiday, according to the NWS.

Meanwhile, rain and thunderstorms could also disrupt Independence Day celebrations on Monday and Tuesday in the northern Plains, Southeast, Northeast and along the Rockies.

A slow-moving storm system will cross the country this weekend into early next week (of July 3), resulting in chances for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall for a number of cities, said the NWS.

July 1 forecast

On Saturday, most of the storms will be spread out across the Midwest through the Northeast, while cities out West will be able to enjoy mostly sunny skies.

July 2 forecast

The storms will move farther south and east Sunday, with some of the more intense storms across places such as Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Showers and storms will also be possible throughout the Great Lakes region, Ohio Valley and Northeast.

July 3 forecast

On Monday, the threat of storms will stretch from Texas to Maine, with many states out West continuing to enjoy their sunny Independence Day weekend as high pressure remains in control.

July 4 forecast

On the Fourth of July, storms could be found across much of the U.S., from the Rocky Mountains eastward.

Storms could impact major airports in places such as Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth, leading to a ripple effect of flight delays and headaches for air travellers nationwide.

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