NORTH SOUND, JUNE 30: Does it feel like it always rains on the Fourth of July? Is it a myth? A review of Everett Paine Field weather records for Independence Day, so far this, century reveals answers.
Going back to 2001, it has rained only five times at Paine Field on the Fourth of July. The heaviest amount fell in 2002 with nearly two-tenths of an inch of rain. The other four dates had very light amounts – 5 hundredths of an inch or less, the last coming in 2016, nine years ago.
High temperatures on the 4th since 2001 have ranged from a cool 60 degrees to a hot 85 degrees in 2015. Last year, the high temperature was 79 degrees under nearly full sunshine. Since the start of the century, the average Independence Day high temperature at Paine Field has been 71.5 degrees.
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. By Wednesday, July 2 and into the holiday weekend, that weather pattern will be the case. High temperatures will be quite seasonal, ranging from the upper 60s to mid-70s across much of the North Sound from mid-week into the weekend.
The evening of the Fourth should have clear skies for a delightful evening of public fireworks shows.
Holiday Travel
Holiday travel for this week is already underway with some taking the whole week off. Travel is expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday, and again Sunday, July 6 when many who left town – return.
Across the nation according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) travel forecast, more than 72 million Americans are anticipated to travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend, a new record. Nearly 60 million will drive and almost 6 million will fly.
Locally on the road, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says highways like I-90, I-5, and US 2 will be busiest Wednesday, July 3 through the holiday weekend from late morning until around 7 p.m.
All highway road work will be paused to assist drivers. For I-90 drivers that use the Vantage Bridge across the Columbia River, starting July 9 bridge roadwork will resume full-time up to Labor Day Weekend with only one lane in each direction crossing the bridge.
If using the ferry system, Washington State Ferries cautions that the schedule could be changed based on available vessels and potential staffing shortages. 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.
Be sure to check the ferry schedule on their website or app for the latest available information, and plan for delays at ferry terminals. To reduce waiting, riders may consider taking an early morning or late-night sailing or use transit to walk or bike onto the ferry if possible.
Gas Prices
On June 30, the average Washington gas prices were about 12 cents higher than a year ago at $4.44 per gallon of regular fuel.
On July 1, though, the state’s gas tax at the pump is set to climb another 6 cents per gallon, the first rise on the gas tax in nearly a decade. The additional 6 cents brings the total to 55.4 cents per gallon, remaining the third highest in the nation, behind Pennsylvania at 57.6 cents and California at 61.2 cents per gallon, the highest in the nation.
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 Yakima County. In Western Washington, lower gas prices can be discovered in Whatcom, Skagit, Thurston, and Clark Counties.
In neighboring states, the average gas price in Oregon is $4.05 per gallon, Idaho $3.43 a gallon. In contrast, the average price of regular fuel in British Columbia is $1.73 per liter which translates to about $6.56 a gallon.
Fireworks and Warm Dry Conditions
This year has been much drier than average. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows all of Western Washington is abnormally dry or in moderate drought. Everett Paine Field has had just about 5 and quarter inches of rain thus far this year, nearly 12 inches of rain below average.
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 the use of any fireworks that shoot into the air such as bottle rockets which can start a house or brush fire.
The best choice to enjoy fireworks is to visit a public fireworks display throughout the North Sound. As the country celebrates its 249th birthday, have a safe and sane Fourth of July with family, friends, and neighbors.
