NORTH SOUND — Does it feel like it always rains on the Fourth of July? Many remember that ‘one’ soggy camping trip or cool drippy fireworks show. Or is it a myth? A review of Western Washington weather records for Independence Day so far this century reveals answers.
Going back through 2001, it has rained only 5 times at Paine Field in Everett. The heaviest amount that fell at Paine Field was in 2002 with nearly two tenths of an inch of rain. The last measurable rainfall fell 10 years ago in 2016, with only 5 hundredths of an inch of rain.
This Week’s Weather Forecast Including the Independence Day Weekend
During early July, it is quite common to have a weather pattern of morning clouds and afternoon sunshine, much like during this past week. By this holiday weekend, higher pressure aloft is forecast to build and cool low level flow from the Pacific Ocean is expected to ease.
This adjustment in the weather pattern will result in a shorter duration of morning clouds and more afternoon sunshine and warmer temperatures across all of Western Washington except along the outer coast. High temperatures will be quite seasonal, ranging from the mid-60s near shorelines to the 70s elsewhere.
The average high temperature on the Fourth so far this century has been 71.5 degrees. Paine Field reached 71 degrees last year on the Fourth.
The evening of the Fourth should have generally clear skies for a delightful evening of public fireworks shows. Temperatures will cool down into the 60s, so have a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt handy.
Holiday Travel
Holiday travel for this week is already underway with some taking the rest of the week off. Travel is expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday, and again Sunday when many that left town – all return.
Across the nation according to the AAA travel forecast, over 72 million Americans are anticipated to travel over 50 miles for the Independence Day holiday weekend, similar to last year. Nearly 60 million will drive and almost 6 million will fly.
Locally on the road, the State DOT says highways like I-90, I-5, and US 2 will be busiest Wednesday through the holiday weekend from late morning until around 7 PM. All highway road work will be paused to assist drivers.
If using the ferry system, Washington State Ferry authorities note that the busiest sailings for vehicles will likely be westbound (or onto an island) Wednesday through Friday the Fourth, and eastbound (or off island) Saturday and Sunday. They anticipate around 400,000 passengers through the holiday period.
Be sure to check the ferry schedule on their website or app for the latest available information, and plan for delays in ferry terminal waits. To reduce waiting, riders may consider taking an early morning or late-night sailing or by using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry if possible.
Gas Prices
On June 30th, the average Washington gas price for regular unleaded was $5.32 per gallon. A year ago, it was $3.93 per gallon. Gas prices have been falling recently. Just a week ago, the average statewide gas price was $5.77.
On July 1st though, the state’s gas tax at the pump rose 1.1 cents per gallon, for a total of 56.5 cents. The state’s gas tax is the third highest in the nation, behind Pennsylvania at 57.6 cents and California at 63.4 cents per gallon.
Across Washington, the lowest gas prices can be found in parts of Eastern Washington including Spokane County and the northeast part of the state, Asotin County, and Chelan County. In Western Washington, lower gas prices can be discovered in Whatcom, Skagit, and Clark Counties.
In neighboring states, the average gas price in Oregon is $4.83 per gallon of regular, and Idaho $4.10 a gallon. In contrast, the average price of regular fuel in British Columbia is $1.47 per liter that translates to about $5.56 a gallon.
Fireworks and Warm Dry Conditions
This year has been again been drier than average. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of Western Washington is abnormally dry while Eastern Washington is in moderate or severe drought.
Grasses and shrubs are dry, and fireworks can easily ignite them. If using fireworks, be sure to have plenty of water on hand to knock down any fires that may start. Avoid use of any fireworks that shoot into the air such as bottle rockets that can start a house or brush fire.
The best choice to enjoy fireworks is to visit a public fireworks display throughout Western Washington. As the country celebrates its 250th birthday, have a safe and sane Fourth of July with family, friends, and neighbors.
