US Facing Storm Threats as Millions Travel for July Fourth Weekend
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With millions of Americans set to travel over the Fourth of July weekend, forecasters are warning stormy weather could produce potential hazards and hamper plans.
Why It Matters
The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecast that some 72 million people were expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6.
That is 1.7 million more than last year, and a 7 million increase on 2019.
Meanwhile, more than 18.5 million people were expected to travel by air over the busy holiday period, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
That projection includes Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7, with the highest passenger volume—around 2.9 million—expected on Sunday.
What To Know
Storms
AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek thunderstorms on Friday may disrupt travel from western Texas up through the northern and western Plains, northern Rockies, and upper Midwest. These storms could produce hail, downpours, strong wind gusts, and possibly a tornado.
Drivers should expect:
Reduced visibility;
Water pooling on roads;
Slower traffic.
While major airport hubs are mostly expected to avoid direct storm impacts, Minneapolis and Denver may face delays and potential cancellations, Kines said.
On Saturday, storms stretching from Kansas City and Missouri to southern Minnesota may hamper travel with strong wind gusts as well as heavy rain and possibly hail. Larger airports that could be affected include those in Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Des Moines, said Kines.
On Sunday, strong storms are possible across the western Plains and parts of Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and potentially far northern New England, added Kines. These storms may bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall and hail. Major airports that could be impacted include those at Denver, Kansas City, Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland.
The National Hurricane Center has also been monitoring a disturbance along the southeast coast near Florida for cyclone development. Regardless of whether any tropical development occurs, the state "looks to be in a rainy pattern through the 4th of July holiday weekend," AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek.
"Depending on the exact track of the low (if it forms) there could be enhanced rain along the Carolina coast as well if the storm moves more to the north. Either way, it looks like flooding downpours will be the primary impact even if this area does not develop," DaSilva said.
A forecast map from AccuWeather highlights travel conditions across the U.S. on July 4.
A forecast map from AccuWeather highlights travel conditions across the U.S. on July 4.
AccuWeather
Heat
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), temperatures will spike 10–20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal across the Upper Plains on Thursday and Friday, before a cold front shifts the heat toward the Great Lakes and Appalachians over the weekend.
The Southeast will be hotter than average through Monday, with highs in the 90s and central to southern Texas nearing 100 degrees, the agency said.
Meanwhile, the desert Southwest will stay slightly cooler than usual through Sunday, thanks to monsoon-driven clouds and showers, though the region could still see triple-digit highs, according to the NOAA.
Highs in the 80s are expected in the Northeast and New England at the start of the weekend, with cities such as Boston and New York expecting temperatures in the 90s by Sunday, the NOAA said.
What People Are Saying
The NWS weather prediction center said on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "As you plan for the holiday weekend, factor in the weather forecast! Hazardous heat is forecast across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions July 4-6. Heat index values are expected to reach 90-100 degrees. If you will be outdoors, be sure to hydrate and take breaks!"
What Happens Next
Agencies such as the National Weather Service issue regular forecast updates on their websites.
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