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Heat and storms to impact millions on Independence Day
June 25, 2024
> Hot as a firecracker in parts of the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and central United
States over the holiday, as AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are expected
to climb above 100 degrees
> A surge in electricity demand is expected to run air conditioners and cooling
equipment
> Severe storms could spoil outdoor plans and parades across parts of the
Midwest and Great Lakes region
AccuWeather Global Weather Center – June 25, 2024
Excessive heat and severe thunderstorms could impact outdoor events and gatherings for millions of Americans celebrating Independence Day next week.
“Stubborn heat and storms will linger right into mid-July,” said AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
Holiday Heat Wave on the Horizon
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say an area of high pressure will stretch from the south-central U.S., across much of the central U.S. and into parts of the mid-Atlantic during the first week of July. AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok says high humidity levels are in the holiday forecast across much of the Gulf Coast and Southeast as well.
“We’re monitoring the potential for another heat wave in late June into early July from the southern Plains to the East Coast. Temperatures are expected to climb well into the 90s. Increasing humidity will send AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures soaring to 100-105 degrees in some places,” said Pastelok. “There could be a four-to-six day stretch of intense heat that will lead to another surge in electricity demand. The most intense heat over the holiday will be slightly farther south, compared to the last heat wave.”
Pastelok says the heat could reach parts of the Northeast, but temperatures are not expected to be as intense as the last heat wave in mid-June.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said the stubborn pattern is expected to linger beyond the holiday.
“From Kansas City to St. Louis, Nashville, Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Raleigh, we’re expecting rounds of heat and humidity that will be quite intense and prolonged into early and mid-July,” said Porter. “Overnight low temperatures won’t provide much relief in parts of the Southeast, so we’re looking at very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous heat heading into July.”
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather threat in the United States.
Stubborn Stormy Pattern Across the Northern U.S.
AccuWeather’s team of long-range forecasters is monitoring the threat of rain and thunderstorms that could jeopardize outdoor events, family gatherings, parades, and fireworks.
“Showers and thunderstorms associated with a cold front will extend from the northern Rockies to the Midwest and across the Great Lakes around Independence Day,” said Pastelok. “Some storms could be severe across parts of the Midwest, western Ohio Valley, and Tennessee Valley, producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and possibly some tornadoes.”
A few storms could also develop around the southern Appalachians, including parts of the Carolinas. Pastelok warns that these storms will have little forward movement and could produce localized downpours leading to flash flooding.
Spotty storms are also possible over mountainous terrain in the Four Corners region of the Southwest.
Records show that July is statistically the deadliest month for lightning strikes across America.
According to the National Lightning Safety Council, two lightning deaths have been reported in the U.S. so far this year. Fourteen lightning fatalities were reported last year. Lightning fatalities have been on the decline since 2016 when 40 lightning deaths were reported in the U.S.
AccuWeather Lightning Alerts are now available for free to all AccuWeather app users in the United States. AccuWeather sends push alerts to rapidly notify users when lightning strikes within 10 miles of their location.
Rain and storms could impact public fireworks displays. AccuWeather expert meteorologists encourage people to use extra caution with fireworks in areas that are in a drought or at high risk of fires.
Additional AccuWeather Resources:
4th of July forecast: Heat, storms could upend holiday plans
Lightning Alerts Now Available on the AccuWeather App
What is a heat dome, and how can it create 'ring of fire' thunderstorms?
The hidden dangers of heat waves
AccuWeather's RealFeel Temperature Guide provides unique outdoor insight amid heat wave
