July 4th fireworks shows: What it takes to put one on
George Zambelli of Zambelli Fireworks discusses what it takes to get ready to put on a fireworks show.
Accuweather.com
- Forecasters are predicting a warm and mostly dry holiday weekend.
- AAA is expecting a record number of travelers with 61.1 million people traveling domestically by car this Fourth of July.
This coming weekend, celebrations from firework shows to parades, festivals and backyard barbeques will be taking place all over New Jersey and around the country to celebrate America’s independence.
What’s worse at a time like this than a bout of bad weather? Thankfully, according to multiple forecasts, 4th of July weekend in New Jersey is shaping up to be a nice one.
“Conditions in much of the Northeast will be far cooler than during last week’s heat wave. In fact, it could be very comfortable, provided high pressure settles slowly over the region rather than slipping off the Atlantic coast,” reads AccuWeather’s July 4th forecast. “Humidity levels are likely to be lower than July standards, far lower in most areas compared to the swelter of late.
Additionally, from Boston to New York City and Washington D.C., the day and evening of July 4 are likely to be free of rain, according to AccuWeather.
Meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki of the National Weather Service shared a similar forecast, detailing a warm weekend with little to no rain.
In North Jersey, according to Ciemnecki, the current forecast in terms of temperature reads:
- Thursday: Upper 80s to near 90s
- Friday: Mid 80s
- Saturday: Upper 80s
- Sunday: Lower 90s
“There is a slight chance of a shower or a thunderstorm on Thursday and then we are dry for the rest of the weekend,” he said.
The Jersey Shore
Heading down the shore this Fourth of July weekend? Luckily for you, forecasters are predicting a nice weather weekend along the coast as well.
“Friday through Saturday look for the most part sunny. Somewhat on the warm side but nothing oppressively hot,” said Mike Lee, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. He added that there may be a slight chance of a Thunderstorm on Sunday, but, as of the morning of June 30, “it’s a little far out to get a hold of exactly when and where.”
Temperatures along the shore are expected to be in the upper 70s on Friday and the lower to upper 80s on Saturday and Sunday, according to Lee, who also emphasized the importance of rip current awareness this beach season.
If a trip to the beach is a part of your holiday weekend plans, be sure to check the rip current forecast, listen to lifeguards and check the postings on the shore. Per Lee, beaches will typically have flags flying at different colors to signify the risk of rip currents at that beach.
AAA travel forecast
Along with the weather, forecasts have been issued on the weekend’s expected travel volume. AAA’s 4th of July travel forecast predicted a record number of domestic travelers this holiday weekend, advising drivers of the best and worst times to travel by car.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend of taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
During the holiday period, between June 28 and July 6, AAA predicts 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home, 61.6 million of which will likely be traveling by car, marking a 2.2% increase over last year and the highest volume on record.
Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 are expected to be the busiest days on the road, according to AAA, which said that the best and worst times to travel by car this holiday weekend are:
- July 2 worst time: noon to 9 p.m.
- July 2 best time: Before noon.
- July 3 worst time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- July 3 best time: Before noon.
- July 4 worst time: noon to 7 p.m.
- July 4 best time: Before noon.
- July 5 worst time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- July 5 best time: Before 11 a.m.
- July 6 worst time: noon to 6 p.m.
- July 6 best time: Before 11 a.m.
AAA recommends that drivers get routine vehicle maintenance done ahead of their trip and pack an emergency kit. In 2024, the agency responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues like dead batteries and flat tires, plus people locking themselves out of their car or running out of gas.
