On July 4, strong to severe thunderstorms are in the forecast for the Northern and Central Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley. Meanwhile, temperatures will be abnormally high in the Upper Midwest, with heat advisories in effect for cities including Minneapolis and Chicago.

A record high of 72.2 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the July Fourth holiday period (from June 28 to July 6), according to AAA. This is 1.7 million more people than last year and 7 million more than in 2019, according to AAA.

The Transportation Security Administration is bracing for another record-breaking holiday travel week, with 18.5 million passengers expected to fly nationwide for the Fourth of July. Here in Pittsburgh, more than 200,000 travelers are expected to pass through the terminals at Pittsburgh International Airport.