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Red, white and mostly blue skies expected as record number of Americans set to travel for July 4th

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Red, white and mostly blue skies expected as record number of Americans set to travel for July 4th

The grill isn’t the only thing firing up this Fourth of July.

Record travelers will hit the highways for Thursday’s holiday but won’t escape the heat as much of the country will see historic highs — and thunderstorms that threaten to rain on some parades.

“A portion of the country will see nature’s fireworks, which will provide their own show of showers and thunderstorms,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Mays told The Post.

This Independence Day will be the busiest ever as nearly 71 million people will travel to celebrate, but storms and record heat could impact some plans, meteorologists forecast. Fran Ruchalski/Special to Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
Two main zones of extreme heat are in store for the United States, south and southeast and out west. Temperatures are likely to run 5-10 degrees above the historical average. Accuweather

Thunderstorms will likely span Montana, the Dakotas and Ohio to Virginia and Maryland, Mays said, and could reach New York City and southern New England.

“But it’s not going to be a total washout,” Mays added.

It will feel over 100 degrees in the south and out west, where heightened wildfire risks are prompting officials to consider fireworks and campfire bans.

New Yorkers are in for a hot and humid July Fourth, and rip current statements have been issued from Long Island to the Jersey Shore. Richard Burkhart / USA TODAY NETWORK
Much of the country will have clear skies to view fireworks displays this Fourth of July. Accuweather

Aside from a possible afternoon shower on Independence Day, the Big Apple is in for muggy temperatures in the low 90s.

The days leading up to the Fourth will remain in the 80s and the following weekend will see thunderstorms and temperatures lingering near 90.

Beachgoers should beware of dangerous rip currents along south-facing beaches on Long Island, Fox Weather reported.

Record travel is expected for this Fourth of July as millions of families hit the roads and take flights to celebrate. Last Fourth of July, Maddey Berry, above, enjoyed a treat atop her grandfather Ricky Standford’s shoulders. Richard Burkhart / USA TODAY NETWORK

Approximately 5.7 million New Yorkers hightail it out of the humidity for the holiday, contributing to a July 4th projected to be the busiest ever in terms of travel, according to AAA.

Over 70.9 million total travelers will head 50 miles or more from home, up 5% from last year and 8% from 2019. More than 60 million will go by car while air travel is also expected to set a new record.

The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 32 million people between June 27 and July 8, a 5.4% increase from last year.

Friday was the 4th busiest day ever, with just under 3 million people passing through airports nationwide, the TSA reported.

Over 70 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday travel period from June 29 to July 7, according to AAA. Getty Images
The number of air travelers is also expected to set a new record with 5.74 million people set to fly to their July 4th destinations, AAA predicts. AP

“Summer vacations are in full swing, and with the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Alec Slatky, public and government affairs director for AAA Northeast.

The worst traffic delays are expected on Wednesday, July 3, and Sunday, July 7, according to data analytics firm INRIX.

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