The St. Louis area will be wet from weekend rains, but they should taper off in the early evening in time for the fireworks. Cincinnati, however, might not be so lucky. Be sure to check your local forecast at www.weather.gov before you make your plans. (Image credit: istock)
As you travel from cookout to pool party to beach and onto fireworks this Fourth of July weekend, keep your eye on the weather.
NOAA’s National Weather Service is forecasting a slow moving storm system to bring several rounds of heavy to potentially excessive rain and thunderstorms to the central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley. The rains begin on Friday in Kansas and will move east to Missouri, Illinois and Indiana over the weekend; rainfall totals of 2-4 inches are expected with localized events reaching 6 inches, with possible flash flooding.
On Independence Day, showers and thunderstorms are also expected to develop in the Ohio Valley and across the central Appalachians and into the Mid-Atlantic. Seasonally warm conditions are predicted across the southern U.S. and in the Plains on July 4. Find your local forecast at www.weather.gov.
Beachgoers, be on alert: There is an elevated threat of rip currents for Gulf Coast, Florida, East Coast, and California beaches. Before you hit the surf, please memorize these safety tips on how to survive a rip current. Most important: Swim only in areas monitored by lifeguards.
What are the chances for a dry Independence Day in your neck of the woods, based on past climate records? See this historical probability map for rain.
Happy 4th of July, everyone!
