Millions of Americans took to the roads and skies this past Independence Day weekend, defying scorching heat warnings to celebrate the holiday with parades, cookouts, and fireworks. The travel surge created new records, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reporting more than 3 million flyers in a single day last week – a number expected to be surpassed during the holiday week. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 60.6 million Americans planned to travel by car during the Fourth of July period.
While many enjoyed the festivities, a significant portion of the West Coast faced extreme heat. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings of a “dangerous” heat wave across the region, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in both coastal and inland areas of California. Despite the sweltering temperatures, fireworks displays remained a staple of the holiday. The American Pyrotechnics Association anticipates a record number of displays, with an estimated 16,000 professional shows lighting up the skies nationwide. This Independence Day weekend saw a blend of joyous celebrations and weather challenges, highlighting the resilience and holiday spirit of Americans.
