Labor Day forecast: Scorching temperatures, rain could bring sad end to summer for millions
Delays at major airports across the country are possible over the Labor Day holiday.
Labor Day Outlook: Widespread rain throughout the East, drier conditions out West
The current outlook for Labor Day is widespread rain throughout the East, with drier conditions expected in the western half of the U.S.
It was bound to happen, America. Summer is coming to a close. But not before we get one more celebration in to hold onto the dog days of summer.
Millions of people will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies to celebrate Labor Day. But for millions of Americans, scorching temperatures and the risk of rain and thunderstorms could dampen those last cookouts, clambakes and afternoons at the beach.
Here's a closer look at the Labor Day holiday forecast from the FOX Forecast center.
TRAVELING THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND? WHETHER FLYING OR DRIVING, HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT
Monday
(FOX Weather)
The threat of sub-par weather will continue across the eastern half of the United States, with more chances of rain and thunderstorms across places from the Southwest, Midwest and Northeast.
A cold front shifting east will be the focal point for showers and thunderstorms across Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through the Labor Day holiday.
There's a chance of rain from Norfolk, Virginia, north through the Big Apple and New England with as much as 1-3 inches of rain possible from eastern Pennsylvania into eastern Massachusetts. The severe weather risk is limited to central Texas where there is a slight chance of severe thunderstorms around the Abilene and Kileen, Texas areas Monday.
The Southeast won't dodge the rain either. The Gulf Coast of Texas and south-central Texas will also continue to see rounds of rain through the holiday weekend with isolated heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches along the coast that may result in short-lasting minor urban and small stream flooding.
Across the rest of the Southeast, rich tropical moisture could lead to rain rates inside scattered thunderstorms as high as 2 inches an hour, which could quickly flood low-lying areas and streets. That is not the best of barbecue weather but a silver lining is the storms will keep temperatures at or below average, toping out in the low to mid-80s across much of the region.
Looking for sun? Head west…and stay cool
If you're looking for sunshine (like most people), you'll want to go west. But don't expect to stay cool.
A blistering heat wave continues to bake much of the West with Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories in effect across much of the southwest through Wednesday evening, including the greater Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas areas.
Dangerously hot conditions are expected, increasing the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Highs are expected to be well above average, in some locations over 20 degrees above where they should be for this time of year, putting added stress on the energy grid.
(FOX Weather)
Close to 100 record highs could fall over the next 5 days during this heat wave, with some locations setting records multiple days in a row. Temperatures will vary between coastal and inland regions with highs ranging from the 90s to 110s. Some areas in the inland California valleys such as Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto could hit all-time September heat records as highs climb near or even over 110 degrees.
But it isn't just California baking. Denver will be very hot at 95 degrees with plenty of sun, and the heat will extend to Billings, where the area will likely see a high temperature of around 97 degrees. Highs will reach triple digits in Reno, and heat alerts are in effect for southern Idaho and eastern Oregon through Wednesday.
Multiple wildfires are burning in the west as well and Fire Weather Warnings are in effect across much of the interior Northwest for risk of additional wildfire starts due to hot and dry conditions. Air Quality alerts are in effect due to Wildfire smoke in the air.
We found paradise
If you are looking for a place to be Monday that won't be rainy nor scorching hot, head to the Pacific Northwest. Dry weather is expected in Seattle and Portland with highs in the mid 70s to near 80.
If you've been meaning to get out to one of our country's beautiful national parks before the end of summer, you've got a lot of catching up to do if you want to be like this grandma-grandson duo.
Grandma Joy Ryan and her 41-year-old grandson have been crisscrossing the country on a mission to visit every single national park in the country, and they've only got one left to visit.
Grandma and grandson close in on mission to visit every US National Park
Joy Ryan, also known as 'Grandma Joy,' and her grandson, Brad Ryan, have been traveling across the United States with the goal of visiting America's 63 National Parks. The last stop for the dynamic duo will be the National Park of American Samoa.
Their ambitious quest began with a road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2015. In the past seven years, these intergenerational travelers have driven more than 50,000 miles to visit 62 out of 63 parks on their bucket lists.
7 FACTS ABOUT US NATIONAL PARKS
Meanwhile, if you're thinking of spending the holiday at the beach, be warned this has also been the summer of the shark along East Coast beaches.
Several shark attacks were reported in New Jersey and New York, putting beachgoers on edge.
Some sharks may be able to change color as an advantage
National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru believes great whites can change body colors when hunting for food.
And on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, at least 20 sharks were spotted in the water over the course of a week.
LIGHTNING STRIKES ON AIRPLANES CAN BE SCARY - JUST ASK MILEY CYRUS
(FOX Weather)
In terms of issues at the airports in the country, most of any weather-related problems will again be in the Southeast. Houston, New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta and Orlando will likely see more issues, and passengers should arrive at the airport with plenty of time to space in order to get through security and check bags.
But, again, don't waste a trip to the airport if you don't have to - reach out to the airline directly to make sure things remain on the up and up.