Pittsburgh July 4 Weekend Forecast: Storms, Heat Predicted

PITTSBURGH, PA — Forecasters have released the first look at the July 4 holiday forecast, which could include a stormy and hot start to the weekend followed by sunshine on Independence Day.

According to AccuWeather, "abundant" moisture from the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico will contribute to the possibility of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. The storms, in the Saturday and Sunday forecast, are expected to be "fairly brief" in the Northeast, according to the latest AccuWeather forecast.

The Weather Channel also predicts a slight chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. Monday is predicted to be clear with temperatures in the mid-80s.

The long weekend will kick off Friday with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 90s.

For those traveling: Most areas from upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania to Maine will be free of rain most of the time from Friday night through Monday night. However, a cold front has the potential to bring thunderstorms for one of the days or part of a day in this area from Saturday to Sunday, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said.

Here is the forecast for the holiday weekend in Pittsburgh:

(Story continues below)

Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then showers likely after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Saturday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Sunday night: A chance of thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Travel over the Independence Day weekend is expected to be at "near-record" levels despite high gas prices.

The American Automobile Association said it expects a record 42 million people will travel by car during the holiday with the overall amount of travel (car, air and other means) at 47.9 million. The figure is just below 2019's record of 49 million.

With a widespread zone of thunderstorms expected over the busy Independence Day weekend when millions will be outdoors, the risk of lightning strikes and potential injuries and fatalities will increase substantially, forecasters said.

People who will be spending time outdoors over the holiday weekend are encouraged to monitor the weather for changing conditions and move indoors or seek shelter in a hard-top vehicle at the first rumble of thunder, experts warn.

RELATED: 2022 Summer Safety Guide: Sun, Snakes, Pools, Lakes And Road Trips