Latest news with #AAA
New York Post
4 hours ago
- Climate
- New York Post
Fourth of July forecast includes stormy weather for these travel hotspots
With the Fourth of July fast approaching, a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans are preparing to travel for the holiday, according to AAA. However, long-range forecasts indicate that a cold front may bring widespread storms to the northern Plains and Southeastern US on the Fourth, and there is even an outside potential for a home-grown tropical system to develop close to the Southeast coast during the holiday weekend, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Advertisement The record-breaking number of expected travelers is due in part to the holiday falling on a Friday this year, creating a built-in three-day weekend for many, Melanie Fish, a travel expert with Vrbo, told FOX Weather. Ahead of America's 249th birthday, thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Northeastern portion of the Interstate 95 corridor on Tuesday and could potentially impact flights at some of the country's busiest air travel hubs. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the nation's busiest, could also see storms on Tuesday as afternoon thunderstorms could fire across the Southeast and southern Plains ahead of the aforementioned cold front. Dry conditions are expected to return to the Northeast, Midwest and northern Plains by Wednesday. Advertisement The Northeast, mid-Atlantic and most of the country west of the Rocky Mountains will be dry on the holiday itself. Meanwhile, Independence Day fireworks displays and barbecues could be dampened in the front-range of the Rockies, the Midwest, and the Southeast. The vast majority of the country will not see extreme heat during the holiday weekend. Advertisement 3 Thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Northeast on Tuesday. Robert Miller 3 Long-range forecast for Independence Day, 2025. Fox Weather According to the FOX Forecast Center, early forecast models show that a stalled cold front will drape over the southeastern US, from Louisiana to North Carolina, beginning on the Fourth of July and lasting through the weekend. While it has been a slow start to the hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, warm waters conducive for tropical development remain in the Gulf and off the coast of the southeastern US. Advertisement 3 The storms should clear up in the Northeast before the holiday on Friday. Robert Miller The presence of an area of low pressure in this region has created a non-zero chance for the development of a tropical system. Regardless of development, tropical moisture will enhance rainfall totals through Independence Day weekend for the Southeast.
UPI
5 hours ago
- Climate
- UPI
July 4th forecast: Along with fireworks, expect showers to erupt across South
Participants take cover during an early rain near the Washington Monument on the National Mall before July 4th celebrations last year. This year, some showers are likely to skirt northern New England and upstate New York, but the day and evening of July 4 are likely to be free of rain in the zone from Boston to New York City and Washington, D.C. File Photo (2024) by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel during the days leading up to the July 4th weekend, with 62.2 million to travel by car, the American Automobile Association (AAA) stated in a press release. For some, it's a day trip. For others, it is a long weekend or an entire week of travel from the last weekend in June through the first weekend of July, visiting friends, relatives or spending time at the beach or the mountains. In the several days leading up to the Fourth of July, expect very warm to hot conditions in much of the West, typical summer warmth from the Great Lakes to the Northeast and humid conditions with showers and thunderstorms from New Mexico to the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. "Portions of the Midwest, Southeast and interior Southwest stand the most likely chance for some disruptive downpours and potent thunderstorm activity on Friday, July 4," AccuWeather's Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. An area of clouds, showers and thunderstorms is forecast to evolve from the northeastern Gulf coast to the southern Atlantic coast later in June and linger through the first part of July. It is possible this broad area of low pressure could organize into one or more tropical rainstorms during this time. Those heading to the beaches from northern Florida and the Alabama and Mississippi panhandles to the coastal Carolinas may experience rough surf conditions and perhaps stiff winds should a tropical depression or storm try to develop. Around the July 4th holiday, in areas farther to the northwest, "we expect one or more complexes of thunderstorms to develop over the northern and central Plains and wander into the Midwest," Pastelok said. "Exactly where these storms wander will determine which areas could receive heavy rain and severe weather." Outside of the thunderstorms, the weather may be just fine for outdoor plans most of the day on Friday. Thunderstorms will be possible for at least part of the day in Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri. It is possible that clouds and downpours could affect outdoor activities in some of these major metro areas and others in the region. Conditions in much of the Northeast will be far cooler than during this week's heat wave. In fact, it could be very comfortable, provided high pressure settles slowly over the region rather than slipping off the Atlantic coast. Humidity levels are likely to be lower than July standards, far lower in most areas compared to the swelter of late. Some showers are likely to skirt northern New England and upstate New York, but the day and evening of July 4 are likely to be free of rain in the zone from Boston to New York City and Washington, D.C., which should be good news for some of the largest fireworks displays in the nation. Folks heading to Coney Island, New York, will probably need sunglasses. Another active zone for thunderstorms is likely to be New Mexico, western Texas, part of Colorado and eastern Arizona as the North American monsoon continues to unfold. Most of the thunderstorm activity on Independence Day will tend to occur from mid-afternoon to mid-evening, but there can be some exceptions. Aside from the threat of lightning strikes for those caught outdoors as storms build during the midday hours, flash flooding will remain a concern. Elsewhere, showers will dampen western Washington and northwestern Oregon. While it will rain for only a small part of July 4, it could shower in the morning just as well as in the afternoon or evening. "If it's heat you want, the best bets with sunglasses needed, will be the interior West, portions of the Plains and the interior Southeast on Independence Day," Pastelok explained. Highs will be well into the 90s to the low 100s over the deserts of the Southwest, while highs mainly in the upper 80s to the mid-90s are forecast for much of the Plains and interior Southeast, away from the stormy coastal areas. In general, the West will be best overall for the Fourth of July, with only a few pockets where rain is likely to fall. However, folks are reminded to check with local laws and restrictions before setting off any backyard fireworks. Local dry conditions may prevent fireworks altogether. For those heading to the beach, the Fourth of July often brings some chilly surf, especially in New England, the upper mid-Atlantic and much of the Pacific Coast. Surf temperatures typically range from the upper 40s to the low 60s in New England and along much of the Pacific coast. Waters are generally warm enough and safe for swimming along the Gulf and southern Atlantic coasts, with widespread surf temperatures in the 80s.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
California energy regulator recommends pause on plan to penalise excess oil profits
California should pause Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to penalize oil companies if their profits climb too high, a top energy regulator said Friday while unveiling proposals aimed at addressing high gas prices. The Democratic governor signed a law in 2023 giving the California Energy Commission the authority to penalize oil companies for excess profits, declaring the state had "finally beat big oil." More than two years later, the commission hasn't imposed a single penalty or determined what counts as an excessive profit. Now, Siva Gunda, the energy commission's vice-chair, says the state should pause the effort in favor of pursuing other policies to lower prices and maintain a steady oil supply - all while pushing to phase out reliance on fossil fuels over the next two decades. "Together, we will evolve California's strategy to successfully phase out petroleum-based fuels by 2045 while protecting communities, workers, and consumers, and foster market conditions that support the industry's ability to operate safely, reliably, and successfully to meet demand through the transition," Gunda wrote in a letter to Newsom. Gunda's recommended pause of the penalty would have to be agreed upon by the full commission. Newsom has pitched the penalty as a way to rein in profits by oil companies, but critics said it would only raise prices. California has the highest gas prices in the nation, largely due to taxes and environmental regulations. Regular unleaded gas prices were $4.61 a gallon Friday, compared to a national average of $3.20, according to AAA. The commission still plans to set rules that would require oil refineries to keep a minimum level of fuel on hand to avoid shortages when refineries go offline for maintenance, Gunda said. That proposal came out of a law Newsom signed last year after convening a special session aimed at preventing gas price spikes. Gunda's recommendations come months after Newsom in April directed energy regulators to work with refiners on plans to ensure the state maintains a reliable fuel supply as it transitions away from fossil fuels. Newsom spokesperson Daniel Villasenor said in an email that the governor would review the recommendations and "advance solutions that maintain a safe, affordable, and reliable supply of transportation fuels for California." Two major oil companies announced plans over the past year to shut down refineries in the state, further driving uncertainty about how the state should maintain a stable fuel supply as California transitions toward renewable energy. Phillips 66 announced plans to shut down its Los Angeles-area refinery, and Valero said it would cease operations at its Benicia refinery. The two refineries combined account for more than 17% of the state's refining capacity, according to the energy commission. A group of about 50 environmental and consumer groups penned a letter to Newsom and legislative leaders Friday criticizing the proposal to pause implementing a penalty on oil company profits. "California oil refiners do not need a bailout," they wrote, adding that the state should "finish the job" it started to prevent prices at the pump from spiking.
11 hours ago
- Business
California energy regulator recommends pause on plan to penalize excess oil profits
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California should pause Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to penalize oil companies if their profits climb too high, a top energy regulator said Friday while unveiling proposals aimed at addressing high gas prices. The Democratic governor signed a law in 2023 giving the California Energy Commission the authority to penalize oil companies for excess profits, declaring the state had 'finally beat big oil.' More than two years later, the commission hasn't imposed a single penalty or determined what counts as an excessive profit. Now, Siva Gunda, the energy commission's vice-chair, says the state should pause the effort in favor of pursuing other policies to lower prices and maintain a steady oil supply — all while pushing to phase out reliance on fossil fuels over the next two decades. 'Together, we will evolve California's strategy to successfully phase out petroleum-based fuels by 2045 while protecting communities, workers, and consumers, and foster market conditions that support the industry's ability to operate safely, reliably, and successfully to meet demand through the transition,' Gunda wrote in a letter to Newsom. Gunda's recommended pause of the penalty would have to be agreed upon by the full commission. Newsom has pitched the penalty as a way to rein in profits by oil companies, but critics said it would only raise prices. California has the highest gas prices in the nation, largely due to taxes and environmental regulations. Regular unleaded gas prices were $4.61 a gallon Friday, compared to a national average of $3.20, according to AAA. The commission still plans to set rules that would require oil refineries to keep a minimum level of fuel on hand to avoid shortages when refineries go offline for maintenance, Gunda said. That proposal came out of a law Newsom signed last year after convening a special session aimed at preventing gas price spikes. Gunda's recommendations come months after Newsom in April directed energy regulators to work with refiners on plans to ensure the state maintains a reliable fuel supply as it transitions away from fossil fuels. Newsom spokesperson Daniel Villaseñor said in an email that the governor would review the recommendations and 'advance solutions that maintain a safe, affordable, and reliable supply of transportation fuels for California.' Two major oil companies announced plans over the past year to shut down refineries in the state, further driving uncertainty about how the state should maintain a stable fuel supply as California transitions toward renewable energy. Phillips 66 announced plans to shut down its Los Angeles-area refinery, and Valero said it would cease operations at its Benicia refinery. The two refineries combined account for more than 17% of the state's refining capacity, according to the energy commission. A group of about 50 environmental and consumer groups penned a letter to Newsom and legislative leaders Friday criticizing the proposal to pause implementing a penalty on oil company profits. 'California oil refiners do not need a bailout,' they wrote, adding that the state should 'finish the job' it started to prevent prices at the pump from spiking. ___
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
July 4th travel to break records: The best and worst times to hit the road
The Fourth of July has always been a peak travel period in the United States, but 2025 is set to shatter all previous records. According to projections from the American Automobile Association (AAA), a staggering 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the extended Independence Day holiday week, which runs from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and a remarkable 7 million more than in 2019. Key travel trends Road trips dominate: Of the 72.2 million travelers, 61.6 million are expected to travel by car—an all-time high and a 2.2% increase over 2024, adding 1.3 million more road travelers than last year. Air travel also surges: Air travel is also expected to set new records, with over 5.8 million people projected to fly, making up about 8% of all July 4th travelers. Other modes: Roughly 4.6 million Americans will use trains, buses, or cruise ships for their holiday journeys. Top destinations: Domestically, Orlando, Seattle, and New York are the most popular destinations. Internationally, Vancouver, Rome, and Paris lead the list, with cruises, beaches, and fireworks being top attractions. Best and worst times to travel by car With record numbers on the road, timing your departure is crucial to avoid the worst congestion. AAA, in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence and INRIX, has released a detailed timetable for optimal travel windows: Date Worst Travel Time Best Travel Time Saturday, June 28 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Before 10:00 AM Sunday, June 29 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Before 11:00 AM Monday, June 30 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Tuesday, July 1 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 2 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Thursday, July 3 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Friday, July 4 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Saturday, July 5 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Before 11:00 AM Sunday, July 6 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 11:00 AM by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo General Guidance: Leave Early: The best way to avoid traffic is to hit the road before 11 a.m. (or before 10 a.m. on June 28). Morning hours are consistently less congested. Avoid Midday to Early Evening: The worst traffic is typically from noon to 7 p.m., especially on July 4 itself. Delaying your trip to the evening or leaving very early can help you avoid gridlock. Travel challenges and safety tips Roadside Assistance: Last year, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls during the holiday week. The most common issues were dead batteries, flat tires, running out of fuel, and lockouts. Preparation: AAA strongly recommends routine vehicle maintenance and packing an emergency kit before setting out. This is especially important given the increased volume and potential for delays. Fuel Prices: While gas prices are about 40 cents lower per gallon than last year, the Atlantic hurricane season could impact prices and availability, so travelers should plan accordingly.
