4th of July Fireworks Outlook: Stormy East of the Rockies, Fire Danger in the West
For the 250th anniversary of our nation, Independence Day fireworks won’t be the only light show in the sky. Mother Nature will be providing plenty of natural fireworks for much of the U.S.
A stalled cold front will be draped from the north-central U.S. into the Northeast on the Fourth of July, which will slowly inch south through the evening. There will also be an expansive high pressure system centered over the Southeast. This high pressure will pump plenty of heat and moisture from both the Gulf and Atlantic into the eastern two-thirds of the nation.
This will translate into a soggy, stormy weather forecast for most areas east of the Rocky Mountains. Anyone in the three cities crucial in the U.S. gaining its independence – Boston, New York City and Philadelphia – will likely need to dodge showers and thunderstorms for evening fireworks. Perhaps one of the biggest independence celebrations in our nation’s capital will also be at risk for showers and thunderstorms.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms will also accompany major firework celebrations in Detroit, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, Mo., St. Louis, New Orleans and Miami. Mother Nature will also likely disrupt outdoor celebrations in Independence, Kan., Freedom, Pa., Liberty, Mo., Justice and Libertyville, Ill., Lincoln, Neb., Libertyville, Ill., and Flagstaff, Ariz.
Strong to severe thunderstorms will be a possibility from the central High Plains into the Lower Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. While the best chance will occur earlier in the day, severe weather will still be a possibility by fireworks time. This would include torrential downpours, lots of lightning and damaging winds. Large hail also cannot be ruled out, especially in the nation’s midsection.
If you are waiting for fireworks, it is not safe to be outdoors in a thunderstorm. Be sure to seek shelter as soon as possible. The safest place is inside a permanent, fully enclosed building with electricity and plumbing. A hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows rolled up is a strong alternative. Avoid open shelters, such as picnic shelters, gazebos, tents and baseball dugouts. These do not protect you from lightning. Tall, isolated objects, water and conductive materials, such as metal fencing or gear, should also be avoided. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
While showers and storms are also possible throughout the Mountain West, a dry winter and deteriorating drought conditions will play a role in 4th of July firework celebrations. Denver is still planning to have fireworks, but several cities in Colorado have cancelled their firework shows due to ongoing wildfires and extreme fire danger. This includes Colorado Springs, Colo. Pueblo, Colo., is switching from fireworks to a drone show due to the high fire danger.
There have not been many firework cancellations in major cities throughout the rest of the West. While not a statewide ban, various cities in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah have prohibited smaller, personal firework shows. Some cities have also switched to drone shows or laser displays.
While extensive breezy to strong winds are not expected, hot temperatures, extremely low humidities, deteriorating drought conditions and drying vegetation will still lead to extreme fire danger. It will be important to follow local rules, regulations and bans regarding fireworks. Any fire that develops will likely catch and spread quickly.
Mild to warm weather is generally in store throughout the Northern Tier, with temperatures dropping into the 60s and 70s by the time the sun goes down. However, some higher elevations could be in the upper 50s by the start of firework celebrations, and a few 80s also cannot be ruled out. Eighties and 90s will be most common throughout the southern half of the U.S. Triple-digit heat will still be expected in the Desert Southwest