Northeast 4th of July Weather Statistics

The fourth of July is almost here and much of the Northeast has firmly settled into a summer pattern. Average highs for the 4th are typically in the 80s for most locations, although some get close to 90°F near our nation's capitol and the Delmarva region (see the chart below). In general, the Northeast is no stranger to summertime scorchers, and the 4th of July has been known to bring temperatures into the triple digits on several occasions. Out of the major northeastern cities, Baltimore was the most recent location to set a record high for the date, back in 2002, when it hit 100°F. Boston also has had a record high of 100°F, although set further back, in 1949. Coming in 3rd place was Hartford with record of 101°F and New York in second with a record of 102°F. Philadelphia takes the red white and blue ice cream cake, with a record high of 103°F, set back in 1966.

For many, heading down to the beaches and lakes is a popular option for the 4th. Ocean temperatures are running a few degrees above average along the Northeast beaches, especially across the New Jersey Shore and Delmarva. With the sun still very high in the sky, coming off of the summer solstice, heading to the water is a great place to find some relief. A few years, however, may have had you waking up in the morning and thinking about bringing a jacket, rather than donning a bathing suit. Record low temperatures in the lower 50s have been experienced at one time or another across most cities in the Northeast. A particularly memorable year for this was 1986, when strong northerly winds ushered an unusually cool air mass behind a departing frontal boundary. Hartford, CT event got down to an April-like 49 degrees that morning, setting a record for the date!

Fortunately, washouts are not a common occurrence on the 4th. Thanks to a jet stream that sits over Ontario and Quebec, storm tracks generally ride to the north. That being said, robust daytime heating can provide for some fireworks from Mother Nature in the form of thunderstorms. These may impact that afternoon BBQ with friends and family, but usually dissipate by the time actual fireworks shows start - around 9 PM.

On average, you can expect a day warm enough for outdoor and water activates, with any rain that forms likely to be confined to the afternoon and early evening hours. As always, we are here at WeatherWorks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve your weather needs on America's birthday. Happy Fourth!