As you make final preparations for your Independence Day holiday, be sure to keep an eye on your local weather forecast. Read on to learn where temperatures will be high and where storms may dominate Independence Day skies.
Heat rushes into the east and stays in the west
The brief period of hot weather in the eastern United States is over. High temperatures are expected to be 5 to 10 degrees above average in the Ohio Valley and western Appalachian Mountains on Wednesday, July 3. Hot and humid weather returns to New England across the Deep South on Thursday and continues through the holiday weekend.
In parts of California and the Southwest, triple-digit temperatures characterized the entire week. Closer to the Four Corners area, the week will start with some monsoon moisture, and our forecasters expect the storms to subside and temperatures to return to moderate temperatures as the holiday weekend approaches.
More rainfall in the central region
Rain could affect Fourth of July picnics across the central United States. Particularly in the Ohio Valley and northern Plains, storms are possible Thursday. Waterways in the Midwest are already overflowing their banks and could receive more water by the end of the week. Flood warnings remain in effect for portions of the Mississippi River and many of its tributaries.
A closer look at the tropics
Tropical activity rapidly intensified in late June, and forecasters at the National Hurricane Center were closely monitoring Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded. Beryl was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane after making landfall on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Friday, but the storm is expected to make landfall again at hurricane strength early next week, possibly in south Texas on Monday. Beryl is expected to bring several inches of rain to the Texas Gulf Coast starting Sunday.
Rip currents can be dangerous
Everyone planning to spend time at the beach should be aware of local beach hazards and stay informed about current forecasts. Please remember to swim only at guarded beaches and pay attention to posted signs regarding any water hazards. Get the latest statistics, videos and resources on rip currents and other flooding in our new special report.
July 4th weekend, be weather ready!
Before heading out, be sure to check out these important summer safety tips and resources, and always remember – when the thunder roars, go indoors. Follow these additional tips throughout the year:
