Where to Expect Stormy Conditions as the Nation Turns 249 Years Old

The Plains and the Southeast are bracing for what is setting up to be a stormy Fourth of July. Here is the latest look at what you should prepare for if you plan to celebrate the holiday with a parade, cookout, or fireworks.

Where to Expect Trouble for the Holiday

The nation will see two primary weather trouble spots as it celebrates its 249th birthday on Friday. A line of storms is expected to stretch from West Texas and to the north into the Dakotas and Minnesota. Meanwhile, a surge of tropical moisture could spell frequent rain showers and thunderstorms for the Southeast.

Despite the widespread precipitation activity in these two areas, there will still be plenty of dry areas across the country. Additionally, the parts of the U.S. that are under the gun for storms are not expected to see a total washout of the day. The greatest concentration of storms will ignite in the mid-afternoon and evening hours, leaving time for morning parades and late-night fireworks.

It is a good idea to enable your smartphone to receive weather notifications if you plan on spending time outdoors in these potential areas of impact. Remember that lightning is possible at the first rumble of thunder. Having a plan to seek shelter immediately is prudent.

The storm cells expected to prowl the swath of land from northern Kansas and up to Minnesota will usher in the chance of high winds, flash flooding, and hail. There is also the risk of isolated tornadic activity in this zone.

Storms should hold off until later in the evening for places such as Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This part of the northern Plains will see the highest threat of disruptive weather in the evening hours. It will be a warm day with highs in the upper 80s and lows that slip to the 70-degree mark. Winds could also present issues for fireworks, clocking in at 15 to 25 mph from the south.

It could be a soggy start to the day to the north in Duluth, Minnesota. This part of the Upper Midwest is forecast to see morning rain showers with partly cloudy skies and drier conditions in the afternoon. The break from the rain will not last long, as more moisture is on tap for the evening hours. Thunderstorms are forecast to roam the region in the overnight hours.

Duluth is forecast to see a high of about 85 degrees and lows that slide to the 70-degree barrier. It will be a bit breezy with winds out of the south-southeast at 10 to 15 mph.

Potential Storms for the Southeast

The greatest risks in Georgia and the Carolinas will be heavy rain and frequent lightning strikes. The coastal areas of the southern Atlantic and the northeastern Gulf will also be at risk of experiencing rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents. Beachgoers are being advised to pay heed to all alerts.

Tourists at Tybee Island, Georgia, will likely wake up to a dreary holiday with clouds and scattered rain showers. After a brief clearing period in the afternoon, more rain showers and storms are expected overnight. The threat of storms will increase on Saturday with the influx of tropical moisture. Friday's highs in Tybee will reach the mid 80s before sliding slightly into the upper 70s after the sun goes down.

Swimmers will find the warmest ocean waters in the Gulf and off the coast of the Southeast. Sea-surface temperatures in this part of the Atlantic basin are currently measuring in the low 80s. Those hoping to head into the water farther to the north and up into the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast will experience progressively lower temperatures. This is important to be aware of as cold water shock is prevalent during the early half of the summer season.

Where to Expect the Hottest Temperatures

Temperatures and humidity levels will hover at normal levels for early July across the south-central U.S. and over into the Southeast. Widespread highs in the 80s and the low 90s are in the forecast for this region.

The interior portions of the West will be one of the hottest spots with readings expected to hit the 90s during the peak afternoon heating hours. The intense sunshine this time of year will send the real feel readings even higher.

Local officials in the western U.S. are cautioning hikers and campers to take extra precautions this holiday weekend. The soaring temperatures will bring along the risk of heat-related illnesses. Be sure to bring plenty of water for all of your outdoor adventures.

A secondary risk in the Southwest will be the prevalence of spotty thunderstorms that pop up as part of the normal North American monsoon weather pattern. These storms tend to ignite during the midday hours, making it important to head out on hikes early in the day. Experts recommend coming down off top ridges when towering clouds begin to form, as this is typically a sign that storms are imminent.