If you are planning on attending any outdoor events this holiday weekend, the weatherman recommends bringing along an umbrella.
As the weekend progresses, the chance for showers and thunderstorms increases, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Anthony Cavallucci.
To start out on Saturday, the forecast is calling for about a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high temperature climbing into the mid 80s.
“The winds will be fairly calm, so that will be pretty nice for those that may want to go out on the lake,” Cavallucci said.
During the night on Saturday the chance for precipitation increases to 30 percent and temperatures will drop to the lower 60s.
On Sunday, the chance for showers and thunderstorms will rise to 40 percent with temperatures once again in the mid 80s, Cavallucci said. Sunday night the chance for showers remains and temperatures will hover in the mid 60s.
Monday has the greatest chance for rain according to the current weather models, Cavallucci said.
“Now don’t shoot the messenger, but on the 4th of July there is a 60 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms during the day,” he said. “The chance for precipitation cares on into the evening hours at around 60 percent.”
While the forecast can be discouraging for those looking forward to outdoor activities on Monday during the day and fireworks displays that night, Cavallucci said not to lose hope just yet.
“There is not a strong level of confidence in that system developing,” he said, adding that with Monday still being a few days away the weather model can always change. “Let’s hope that happens and we don’t see the rain.”
For those taking part in outdoor festivities, Cavallucci would like to remind them to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to protect themselves from sunburn.
“Definitely sunscreen is always a good idea, even if it’s cloudy,” he said.
If thunderstorms due develop, Cavallucci advises to get off the water and get inside.
“If you can hear thunder you are close enough to be struck by lightning, so that is a sign to move indoors,” he said. “Nowhere outdoors is safe during a thunderstorm.”