Warmth in the West Spreads East for Holiday Weekend

Summer officially arrived last weekend on June 21; however, many consumers have been in a warm weather mindset for several weeks now. Compared to both last year and normal, the strongest warmth leading up to and including the 4th of July holiday weekend will be in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, and Southwest Coast, according to forecasts from Planalytics. Temperatures in the Pacific Northwest can reach into 90s and even top 100°F, which is well above average. Conditions in the Southwest can also top 100°F, while major markets along the Southwest Coast will be in the 70s and 80s. Above normal temperatures in these regions will drive strong demand for cold beverages and consumables, says the weather forecasters. Showers and thunderstorms will also begin to pop up across the southwestern states.

Major markets in the Northeast and Midwest will have a cooler than normal week. However, as the holiday weekend kicks into high gear, these markets will transition to warmer temperatures compared to both last year and normal. Markets in the Northeast and Midwest will have high temperatures over the weekend in the 70s and 80s, while the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions will be in the 80s and 90s. The greatest chance for rainfall will be in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions, threatening barbecues and other outdoor activities. Coolest conditions to last year and normal will be focused in the Central Plains and Upper Midwest.

For reference, Independence Day in 2014 was the coolest since 1997 with above normal rain.

On Canada Day (July 1), the warmest temperatures compared to last year and normal will be in central and western provinces. Major markets in the East such as Toronto and Montreal can expect near normal conditions, although still cooler than the extreme heat featured last year. The greatest threats for rainfall will be in Ontario and Quebec, and may impact outdoor celebrations.