With all the outdoor festivals, parades, and firework displays planned for Canada Day on July 1, and Independence Day on July 4, the upcoming holiday weekend brings some of the most weather-impacted days of the year.
On Canada Day, most major markets can anticipate seasonal to warmer than normal and last year temperatures, according to reports from Planalytics. The warmest anomalies will be focused in the Prairies and West, while eastern markets will be closer to seasonal. As the weekend progresses, western provinces can expect to cool vs. last year and normal. The greatest threats for rainfall will be focused along the U.S.-Canadian border throughout central provinces.
Much of the U.S. will celebrate with seasonal to warmer than normal temperatures over the holiday weekend, lifting demand for hot weather consumables and summer apparel, says Planalytics. Strong heat will persist in the Southwest, expanding into the Plains. The Pacific Northwest is expected to trend cooler compared to the extreme warmth of last year, although temperatures will be above normal. The Northeast and Midwest can anticipate slightly warmer than normal and last year temperatures, continuing to warm throughout the weekend. An active pattern across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast will result in slightly cooler than normal and last year conditions for these regions. The greatest chance for precipitation is focused along the East and Gulf Coasts, as well as the Four Corners region during the holiday weekend, threatening barbecues and other outdoor activities.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), nearly two-thirds of Americans plan to attend a cookout, barbecue, or picnic, with $6.8 billion being spent on food over the holiday weekend. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said, “Whether it’s low gas prices or just good weather, more people plan to celebrate this year, and that means more shoppers are online and in stores as they prepare for the festivities.”
For reference, Independence Day in 2015 was the warmest in two years with above normal rain. Canada Day was coolest since 2011 and wettest in 10 years. The Pacific region had its warmest Independence Day since 1970. Conversely, the New England region trended coolest since 1992. Rainfall was focused in the East South Central region, which had its wettest July 4th since the 1976 bicentennial.
Heavy rain was focused in Montreal and Quebec City on Canada Day.
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