July 4th Weekend: Storms, Heat, Travel Chaos

Americans across the country are facing potentially dangerous weather conditions as they head into the July Fourth holiday weekend. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns of severe thunderstorms, large hail, and flash flooding in the mid-Mississippi Valley through the central Appalachians, with similar risks in the Mid-Atlantic. Hazardous heat and humidity are expected in the Southeast, while excessive heat warnings are in place for the Desert Southwest and California. Air quality remains moderate to unhealthy in regions affected by Canadian wildfire smoke, potentially impacting fireworks visibility.