Independence Day Forecast: How Will the Weather be on the Fourth of July Weekend?

Summer heat and humidity will return to the Northeast before the holiday weekend. July will see widespread heat return to the northeastern United States, with temperatures reaching the century mark in certain locations.

A Short Break

Residents in the Northeast have a reprieve from hot and humid weather for much of the first full week of summer, but AccuWeather experts predict that will change when the calendar flips to July.

Temperatures and humidity levels dropped across the area as a cold front swept the Northeast on Sunday night into Monday. The coldest locations were in the region's interior when lows dropped into the 40s F on Monday and Tuesday nights. Wednesday was another beautiful day to be outside, but things were about to change.

"A high-pressure system is forecast to travel offshore late this week, causing a buildup of hot and humid air across the East," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski.

Future Plans

Anyone wishing to conduct yard work before the long Independence Day holiday should do it before Friday when the heat and humidity peak. While it may seem nice outside, individuals should be aware of the intense sunlight this time of year and use sunscreen before spending long periods of time outdoors.

Wednesday's temperatures were a couple of degrees warmer than Tuesday's. Highs in upstate New York varied from the 70s F, including a high of 77 in Syracuse, to a high of 86 around Washington, D.C., with humidity levels lower than normal for the end of June.

Even on Thursday, the humidity will be at a manageable level. Temperatures in Washington, D.C., and even as far north as Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, might reach 90 degrees. Further north, temperatures in the mid-70s should be widespread from upstate New York to northern New England.

Rising Temperatures

Temperatures will continue to rise when July begins on Friday. The temperature will rise over 90 degrees in numerous places along the Interstate 95 corridor. Upstate New York and northern New England are forecast to have temperatures in the mid-80s.

On Friday, the humidity will rise as well. Temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will be sent from southern Pennsylvania down to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia.

Anyone who works outside must keep hydrated and take frequent rest. Those traveling should ensure that their vehicle's air conditioning is in good functioning order.

Thunderstorms are expected to begin the holiday weekend on Friday afternoon and evening throughout the Great Lakes and parts of the central Appalachians. Storms will concentrate from the Appalachians to the Atlantic coast on Saturday as a cold front pushes southeastward. Any storms that develop through Saturday have the potential to be reasonably heavy and gusty.

While this front will reduce heat and humidity, it is possible that more than one day of the holiday weekend may be rainy.

"If the front slows down, there is a chance for a few more showers and a thunderstorm on Sunday, particularly in the mid-Atlantic," said Babinski.

Cold fronts rarely go very far south in the summer. This one appears to be no different, and it may cause some problems on the holiday itself.

"Places like Virginia, Maryland, southern Delaware, and West Virginia may still get a few showers on the Fourth of July since the front is predicted to stall over that general area," Babinski said.

Plans for Fourth of July

People planning cookouts, trips to the beach, or hikes in the woods should keep an eye on the weather forecast over the holiday weekend and prepare backup plans in case it rains.

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