Independence Day washout expected to impact travel, July 4th celebrations for millions of Americans
Storms could impact major airports in places such as Atlanta, Denver, New York and Washington, leading to a ripple effect of flight delays and headaches for air travelers nationwide.
Thunderstorms to dampen 4th of July festivities for many while heat bakes the West
About 60 million across the Midwest and East have thunderstorms in the forecast for the 4th of July holiday
Thunderstorms could disrupt holiday plans for millions of Americans looking to celebrate the Fourth of July, while increased wildfire danger plagues the West and the Southeast feels the heat.
An active weather pattern developed over the holiday weekend and will linger through Independence Day, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Instead of one major storm disrupting holiday plans, a series of disturbances and fronts are expected to move across the country and be the focus of showers and thunderstorms that could dampen holiday plans.
Scattered storms to produce holiday travel headaches
TSA broke a record the highest checkpoint volume ahead of the July 4th weekend. Kathleen Bangs joins FOX Weather to talk about the travel outlook for the rest of the holiday week.
60 million under severe thunderstorm threat for 4th of July
On the Fourth of July, showers and thunderstorms could be scattered across much of the U.S., from the Rocky Mountains eastward.
"We do have natural fireworks today from Mother Nature that we will be dodging," said FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin.
Weather forecast for Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
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There is a threat of severe weather for about 60 million Tuesday, with the greatest risk stretching from the eastern Rockies through the Central Plains and into the upper Midwest and Upper Mississippi Valley. Meanwhile, a forecast of scattered strong thunderstorms with a risk of reaching severe levels extends across much of the South into the mid-Atlantic states, reaching as far north as Philadelphia.
DENVER TO MINNEAPOLIS UNDER THREAT OF SEVERE STORMS ON JULY 4TH
These severe storms could bring damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or greater, and potential for large hail. Overall, thunderstorms could impact major airports in places such as Atlanta, Denver, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., with a chance of thunderstorms stretching into New York, Dallas and even Chicago, leading to a possible ripple effect of flight delays and headaches for air travelers nationwide.
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Storms could also dampen the big 4th of July fireworks shows.
"We have a pretty big risk of severe weather across the central Plains and upper Midwest – that’s where timing might not be on your side," Merwin said. "I think a lot of these big fireworks displays on the East Coast, the thunderstorms will be done by the time we get to showtime around 9 p.m. But it’s going to be a close call for places like Denver, Kansas City, and Minneapolis — we’re going to have to really focus on that and really check in with your local community about your show times tonight."
LIGHTNING SAFETY: WHEN THUNDER ROARS, EVEN TAKING OUT THE TRASH CAN TURN DEADLY
The FOX Forecast Center will continue to closely monitor the location of storms for the July Fourth fireworks celebrations.
"Please keep in mind that if you hear that rumble of thunder — even if that sky is bright blue — you can be struck by lightning," Merwin said. "If you hear the rumble you have to bring everyone inside for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble before you say, ‘Party on, Wayne! Party on, Garth!’"
Florida, Carolinas feel the heat
In the Southeast, it's not only the stormy weather but the sultry weather for the 4th of July. Heat Advisories have been posted across much of Florida Tuesday, stretching form Jacksonville to Miami, with only the Florida Panhandle excepted.
High temperatures will soar into the mid-upper 90s, but with higher-than-usual humidity levels, heat index readings will cross beyond triple digits, and in some cases around east central Florida, even past 110 degrees.
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"It is not just the heat, but the humidity— which is to be expected this time of year for Florida, but we’re talking about ‘feels like’ temperatures that could be getting up to 112 -115 degrees," Merwin said. "So that’s when we go from typical hot and humid for Florida, to pushing the envelope for safety."
Heat advisories are also posted in the eastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina for heat index readings around 105 degrees.
Heat bakes the West on Independence Day
Meanwhile, out West, rain isn't a concern, but heat. Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for parts of the Desert Southwest as high temperatures reach past 110 degrees in Phoenix and Tucson.
(FOX Weather)
In the Pacific Northwest, Heat Advisories are in effect for western Oregon and Portland as temperatures near 90, while Fire Weather Warnings are in effect for southwestern Washington as heat combines with low humidity and dry vegetation for an increased risk of wildfires.