New Yorkers can expect some clear skies perfect for watching fireworks this Fourth of July — but first, they have to wait for the rain and smog to clear over the weekend.
On Saturday, temperatures are expected to reach close to 80 degrees in Central Park, but the air is still not ideal for outdoor activities, due to lingering smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
“We’ll still have some of the haze and smoke hanging around, with some reduced air quality,” said Fox Forecast Center meteorologist Brian Mastro. “But that will improve as we go throughout the next couple of days.”
There is a chance for periods of rain, including thunderstorms, throughout the day Sunday.
Temperatures are likely to rise only to the upper 70s, meaning it won’t the best day of the holiday weekend to be outside grilling or hitting the beach.
“Sunday has that chance of rain for most of the day,” Mastro said. “So Sunday’s going to be the worst day for that.”
There is a silver lining to Sunday’s rain, however, because it will clear out the remaining smog in the air.
“Once we get some of this rain to come in, that will completely clear us out,” he explained.
It will feel more like the height of summer as things heat up on Monday, with temperatures expected to rise into the upper 80s.
For those who head to the beach, there is a chance of “pop-up summertime thunderstorms” to put a damper on their fun in the sun Monday.
On July 4th, the weather will be in the mid-80s with clear skies, perfect for the beach, barbecues, and watching fireworks.
