This Fourth of July, amidst the sizzling burgers, a significant portion of the American populace finds itself under heat warnings as they embark on journeys to commemorate their nation’s founding with a blend of parades, cookouts, and vibrant fireworks displays illuminating the evening skies.
The travel landscape is set for record-breaking numbers, with airports already bustling and highways packed as people endeavor to reach their holiday destinations ahead of Independence Day. Meanwhile, across the Western United States, residents are grappling with oppressive heat conditions, prompting alerts from the National Weather Service about a “significant and extremely dangerous” heat wave affecting large swathes of the region.
Fireworks, a cornerstone of Fourth of July celebrations, are anticipated to surpass previous years’ displays, both in backyard settings and at over 16,000 professional shows nationwide. Julie Heckman of the American Pyrotechnics Association remarked, “This is how we celebrate. It’s the bombs bursting in air. It’s the rockets’ red glare. That’s how people show their pride and patriotism.”
All indicators point to grand-scale festivities: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently reported a record nearly 3 million travelers passing through airports in a single day last week, with expectations for this week to surpass that figure. Concurrently, AAA projected that 60.6 million individuals would travel by car during the holiday period. This surge in travel is partially attributed to a moderation in inflation, although concerns about the broader economic outlook persist among many Americans.