July 4th forecast: Classic summer weather for most of U.S.

If you are wondering how the weather forecast is shaping up in your area for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend and beyond, you’ve come to the right place. Typical summer weather is expected for much of the U.S. with scattered showers and thunderstorms from parts of the Southwest to the central to eastern U.S., according to NOAA forecasters.

Warm, humid temperatures for some

Slightly above-normal temperatures are anticipated to stretch from the northern Rockies and Great Plains to the Great Lakes and Northeast, while much of the West is expected to experience cooler than average temperatures this weekend. Residents in the central Plains and Midwest should try their best to stay hydrated and cool throughout the holiday weekend. Areas of the Gulf Coast and Southeast will experience slightly below-average temperatures but, unlike the West, high humidity will be the rule in the South. If you are seeking cooler weather this weekend, head for Lake Superior or the Cascade Mountains of Washington.

Heavy rain, severe thunderstorms for others

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms, with locally high winds and some hail, may impact metropolitan areas from Washington, D.C. to Boston on Saturday before a cold front clears much of the Northeast by Sunday morning. Scattered thunderstorms are also likely for the Gulf Coast and Southeast through the weekend with tropical downpours likely in some of those areas.

Spotty showers and thunderstorms will develop from the southern Rockies and New Mexico to the Northern Plains, and across much of the Southeast, each afternoon and evening through the weekend, and on the Fourth of July, Monday. However, in many of these areas, the chances for rain and thunderstorms should diminish after dark — just in time for fireworks displays. 

Stay Weather-Ready beyond the holiday weekend

On Tuesday, showers and thunderstorms will persist in some of the same areas of the Southeast and southern Rockies as previous days, and showers and storms will expand into parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid Atlantic. Temperatures will increase again across the central U.S. on Tuesday.

Be sure to check out these important summer safety tips and resources before heading outside and always remember — when thunder roars, go indoors. Follow these additional tips to Know Before You Go all year round:

• To view a customized weather forecast and current conditions for your area, visit www.weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov and enter your ZIP Code.
• Follow @NWS on Twitter and your local NOAA National Weather Service forecast office on social media.

From the West to East Coast, NOAA wishes you and your family a safe and peaceful Independence Day!