Latest Fourth of July Forecast Shows Widespread Rain and Storms for Some

Forecasters are continuing to fine-tune the forecast for the Fourth of July holiday. The news is not good for those in the Upper Midwest, the Southeast, and Florida, as storms could put a wrench in outdoor plans.

The Big Picture for the Weather in the Days Leading Up to Independence Day

Thunderstorms and rain showers are threatening to put a literal damper on parades, picnics, and fireworks celebrations on Independence Day. The greatest risk of unsettled weather for Friday will be over the central U.S. and in the Southeast. Meanwhile, the mid-Atlantic and the western U.S. should remain mostly dry.

The storm action is already churning through a large swath of land from the Appalachians and to the Atlantic coastline. The compounding effects of the rainfall over a period of several days will naturally raise the risk of flash flooding heading into the holiday celebrating the nation's birthday.

A secondary front will bring rain and storms to the Midwest and the Northeast on Thursday and Friday. A third area of concern will develop over the interior portions of the Southwest, the corner of the country that will see the start of the North American monsoon season.

What to Expect on the Fourth of July

The good news for those in the Northeast is that the mid-week disturbance is expected to fizzle out by Friday. The result will be dry conditions, plenty of sunshine, and pleasant temperatures. The exception to this favorable forecast will be in the northern and eastern fringes of New England, where lingering rain showers could be an issue on the holiday.

The bulk of the Southeast will be dealing with typical early July weather, including soaring temperatures and high humidity levels. The rising humidity levels will raise the risk of afternoon and evening rain showers and thunderstorms on the holiday.