Independence Day is a day that spans back to the inception of the United States of America. The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday since 1941, but proud Americans have been celebrating the day for the 241 years of the country’s independence, with traditions that include outdoor barbecues, family gatherings and of course — fireworks.
But the weather may be a challenge to those outdoor traditions, as this weekend is presenting a chance to halt the cookouts by cooking up showers and thunderstorms instead.
Meteorologist David Martin with the National Weather Service in State College weighed in on the weather possibilities for the weekend leading into the Fourth of July.
“The weather is really going back and forth with itself,” said Martin. “Scattered rain and thunderstorms are possible to occur throughout the weekend right up until Sunday where it’ll clear up for the most part,” he said.
The weather is expected to be fair on Sunday and Monday, with temperatures in the high 70s, but, like a boomerang, the bad weather will likely be on its way back just in time for Independence Day.
“We’re more than likely going to get showers in the late afternoon to the evening on Tuesday, Independence Day, as unfortunate as that sounds,” said Martin.
With the potential of a Fourth of July weekend rainout, Bradford will have to get innovative when celebrating the holiday.
Michael Fitzpatrick of Bradford says he isn’t worried about the weather affecting his holiday plans.
“I traditionally travel for the holiday every year with my family,” Fitzpatrick said. “This year, we’re going over to the Jersey shore in New Jersey. We know the weather is going to be much nicer over by that side, so we’re going to be able to be out and about,” he said.
Bradford is expected to showcase fireworks at the Oak Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, and
Zack Reigel, a student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, says he looks forward to enjoying them, regardless of the weather.
“It’s my first time here in Bradford for the summer, but it’s definitely not my first time experiencing a rainy Fourth of July,” Reigel said. “Rain or not, I’m going to make sure I get to catch the fireworks. That’s what I look forward to the most every year.”
Regan Dolan of Bradford isn’t going anywhere but she isn’t too worried about the weather conditions.
“I usually catch the fireworks, but if the weather gets too bad, I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing a movie at the Main Street Movie House,” she said. “I work there and I know they’ll be open on Tuesday and we always have a Tuesday discount price.”
It seems that whether there’s rain or shine in the forecast, the people of Bradford will find a way to weather the storm and enjoy the holiday.
