Sun Jul 06 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary of the text:**
The U.S. is expected to experience a diverse range of weather conditions over the Independence Day holiday weekend. The Southwest will see scattered downpours and dry lightning early in the weekend. The Gulf Coast, particularly Florida, will face persistent heavy rain. Thunderstorms may disrupt fireworks displays in the upper Plains and Midwest on July 4th before moving eastward toward the Great Lakes and East Coast. Temperatures will be significantly above average in the Upper Plains before a cold front brings relief, shifting the heat to the Great Lakes and Appalachians. The Southeast will experience above-average temperatures, with highs in the 90s, even reaching 100 in Texas. The Southwest will be cooler due to monsoon activity. The West Coast will be below average. The Northeast and New England will dry out after a humid week, with temperatures rising into the 90s by Sunday. There’s a small chance the Florida rain system could develop into a tropical storm, but no tropical development is expected in the open Atlantic.
**Here’s a rewrite as a news article:**
**Independence Day Weather: Sizzling Heat, Stormy Skies, and Fireworks Uncertain**
**Washington, D.C. -** As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a mixed bag of weather conditions across the country. From scorching heatwaves to potential thunderstorm disruptions, celebrants should plan accordingly.
The Southwest will experience scattered but heavy downpours and the risk of dry lightning, particularly in western Texas, New Mexico, and eastern Arizona, early in the holiday weekend. Conditions are expected to improve as the weekend progresses.
The Gulf Coast, especially Florida, is bracing for persistent heavy rain throughout the weekend. The NWS National Hurricane Center is monitoring a stalling frontal system off the coast of Florida that has a slight chance of developing into a tropical storm.
In the upper Plains and Midwest, afternoon and evening thunderstorms may interfere with Fourth of July fireworks displays. This threat is expected to shift eastward toward the Great Lakes on Saturday and Sunday, eventually impacting the East Coast by Monday.
A heatwave is forecast for the Upper Plains with temperatures soaring 10-20 degrees above average on Thursday and Friday. A cold front will bring some relief, shifting the hottest air toward the Great Lakes and Appalachians over the weekend. The Southeast will also experience above-average temperatures, with highs reaching the 90s and even 100 degrees in parts of Texas.
Meanwhile, the West Coast will enjoy below-average temperatures thanks to a persistent breeze off the Pacific Ocean, with coastal cities experiencing highs in the 60s. The desert Southwest will see cooler temperatures due to monsoon activity.
The Northeast and New England will finally see drier conditions after a week of high humidity and thunderstorms, with temperatures climbing into the 90s by Sunday in major cities like New York and Boston.
While no tropical systems are expected to develop in the open Atlantic, the NWS advises beachgoers to be aware of potential rip currents.
The NWS urges everyone to check their local forecasts and take necessary safety precautions. Important summer safety tips can be found on the NWS Weather Safety page. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
First Piper 