Fourth of July in Arizona: Excessive heat warning extended through July 7 in Maricopa County

Major travel is expected during the next couple of days for the Fourth of July holiday.

As average gas prices continue to dip across the state — hitting a $3.92 per-gallon average this week — some Arizonans planning to take advantage of a four-day weekend will be hitting the road early Friday. Drivers can stay updated on traffic conditions at az511.com.

Unlike the previous year, several cities are planning major fireworks celebrations, including Phoenix. Some areas of Arizona, however, have banned the use of fireworks due to elevated fire dangers. Yavapai County, for example, issued fire restrictions that went into effect Thursday prohibiting the launching of fireworks, starting campfires and smoking in outdoor spaces.

• Is setting off fireworks at home legal? Depends where you live.

• Where you can see fireworks across the Valley.

• See where wildfires are burning in Arizona.

Follow The Republic's coverage of the Fourth of July in Arizona here.

Excessive heat warning extended in Maricopa County through July 7

The National Weather Service in Phoenix announced Tuesday that an excessive heat warning issued for Maricopa County and most of southern Arizona had been extended until 8 p.m. Friday, July 7.

According to a tweet from the weather service, high temperatures are forecast to be between 108 and 116 degrees throughout the week in south and central Arizona, with southwestern temperatures between 108 and 114 degrees.

Those within the Grand Canyon State are advised to be aware of moderate to major risks of heat stress or illness for the entire population.

To beat the heat properly, the weather service suggested the following:

• Stay hydrated.

• Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Use air conditioning.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

Lane restrictions in place for I-10 east of Tucson, SR 260 in both directions

A pair of lane restrictions implemented in June could affect drivers during the Fourth of July.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the left lane on Interstate 10 heading eastbound near South Empirita Road outside of Tucson closed on June 29 and is scheduled to reopen on July 7.

Those returning from the high country will want to know that the right lane is closed on State Route 260 eastbound from milepost 278 to 283 for construction work.

The SR 260 closure was implemented on June 19 with the aim to reopen it on July 17.

Additionally, ADOT noted that both eastbound SR 260 lanes are closed due to a pipe failure sinking at milepost 279.9 causing traffic to divert to the second westbound lane.

Drivers will likely want to plan on leaving closer to 6 p.m., as according to the transportation data company INRIX, the best times to drive to avoid traffic is either early in the morning or after 6 p.m.

Traffic conditions can always be checked at az511.gov to stay up to date.

— Republic staff

Fourth of July weather forecast

It's expected to be hot (what's new?) and breezy this Fourth of July in Phoenix.

With a high of 111 degrees and low of 83 degrees, it's best to stay hydrated and out of the sun.

An extreme heat warning is currently in effect in the Phoenix area. Originally slated to last until Tuesday night, it has been extended until 8 p.m. Friday.Phoenix is not the only area in the state under an extreme heat warning.

Parts of or the entirety of these counties are under extreme heat warnings until Friday night.

• Yuma

• La Paz

• Maricopa

• Pinal

• Graham

• Greenlee

• Pima

• Santa Cruz

• Mohave

Parts of Yavapai are under the warning until Monday night, and parts of Coconino County are under the warning until Sunday night.

— Republic staff

Phoenix 1 degree off from tying record set in 1907

Phoenix was hot July 3, prompting excessive heat warnings, but just barely missed tying a record heat.

A record set back in 1907 was in serious threat today in Phoenix. The high-temperature record set on July 3, 1907, is 117 degrees Fahrenheit. As of 4 p.m. in Phoenix on Monday, the peak high for Phoenix was 116 Fahrenheit, only one degree off the record.

The temperature reached today in Phoenix was the hottest seen in the area since June 19, 2021.

Extreme heat warnings were in effect until Friday for parts of or the entirety of many Arizona counties.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

How to keep your pets calm during July 4th fireworks

The Fourth of July may be the scariest day of the year for your cat or dog. Those fireworks lighting up the sky can cause fear and anxiety in your beloved pet.

Shelters often see an increase in lost pets around Independence Day when the loud noises of the pyrotechnics displays cause frightened animals to run away from home.

To avoid being separated from your pet this year, follow these 10 tips for keeping pets safe when the fireworks go off.

— Kimi Robinson and Scott Craven

Flagstaff to offer laser lights, a parade and Art in the Park

If you’re looking for an excuse for a long weekend in the high country, head for Flagstaff. Art in the Park runs July 1-3. The juried arts and crafts festival features more than 75 artists from across the Southwest.

The event takes place on the big shady lawn of Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Ave., in downtown Flagstaff from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. Bands perform from the stage through each day, food vendors are on hand and an expansive beer garden serves local and regional brews.

On July 4 a colorful parade will make its way through downtown from 9 to 11 a.m. Also, on July 4, the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra will perform a family-friendly patriotic pops concert at the Pepsi Amphitheater in Forth Tuthill County Park south of the city. The event begins at 3 p.m. and is free. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The party continues at Fort Tuthill when Flagstaff 4^th Fest starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday and includes face painting, crafts, food trucks and live music by Black Lemon. Instead of fireworks, a state of the art laser light show will fill the night sky starting at 9 p.m. www.flagstaffarizona.org.

Follow these firework safety tips

Pop-up tents to grocery stores are selling fireworks throughout metro Phoenix, but make sure you are legal and safe this Fourth of July season.

Fireworks, including ground spinners, sparkling wheel devices, and cylindrical, square or cone fountains, are only legal during certain holidays. Arizona's window to legally use fireworks for the Fourth of July holiday is June 24 to July 6.

Any fireworks that shoot high into the sky and make excessively loud noise are illegal without a permit, such as bottle rockets and firecrackers. However, large fireworks displays can be enjoyed at professional shows, such as the annual fireworks show at Steele Indian School Park.

Small "novelty" fireworks such as snappers (pop-its), party poppers, glow worms, snakes, toy smoke devices and sparklers are legal year-round in Arizona, but should still be used with caution.

Sparklers account for nearly a third of fireworks-related injuries, according to a 2013 report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Mark Barbee, a Peoria fire captain and department spokesperson. For comparison, glass melts at 900 degrees, and a cake is baked at around 350 degrees, he said.

People using sparklers should stand at least 10 feet away from others. And soak the sparklers in a bucket of water when done.

Barbee suggests that children under 12 should never handle fireworks, and older children should do so only with adult guidance. Read this story for more.

— Endia Fontanez

Expect heavy traffic this holiday weekend

Prepare for congested highways and bustling skies this week.

AAA expects a busy Independence Day 2022 travel season, even as gas prices remain expensive and air travelers are concerned about flight cancellations.

From June 30 to July 4, AAA expects 47.9 million people, including 919,715 Arizonans, will travel 50 miles or more from their homes to celebrate the holiday weekend.

“The volume of travelers we expect to see over Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is kicking into high gear,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.

“Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much needed vacation.”

Sedona, Cottonwood and Clarkdale: Fireworks, ice cream social and Wet Fest

With a little planning, you can enjoy a full day of old-fashioned fun in the Verde Valley spread across the communities of Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Sedona. It all takes place on July 4.

Things kick off early in the morning in Clarkdale with a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast, followed by fire truck rides and an ice cream social at 7:30 a.m. With the kids all hopped up on sugar, the children’s parade at 9 a.m. should be a peppy one. At 9:30 a.m., the Cottonwood Community Band plays until 11 a.m., when the morning’s festivities end. Everything takes place at Clarkdale Town Park, 101 Main St.

That will give you time to head for Wet Fest in west Sedona at 570 Posse Ground Road. Enjoy a free recreational swim, giant water slides, music and food trucks at Sedona Community Pool from noon until 4 p.m. Everything is free (except for the food); swim wear is required for pool use.

Finish up the day in Cottonwood for the annual fireworks display. The party goes from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Free burgers and hot dogs right off the grill are served up from 4 to 6 p.m., and there are plenty of games for the little ones (with $10 wristband purchase). It all takes place at Cottonwood Kids Park, 350 S. 12th St. Fireworks go off at 9 p.m.

― Roger Naylor, special for The Republic

Prescott Valley to offer Red, White and Boom event

Prescott Valley launches its Red, White and Boom event on Tuesday, July 4, from 3 to 9:30 p.m.

It takes place at Prescott Valley Civic Center, 7501 Skoog Blvd., and features carnival rides, splash inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden and plenty of live music. Line dance instruction will be offered at 3:45 p.m. to get you ready for the country flavor of bands like Trailer Park Millionaires and Tyller Gummersall.

Plus, it’s all free, except for food and drinks. For those who want to start the party early, tailgating and RV parking is available at nearby Findlay Toyota Center on a first come, first served basis. Fireworks are fired off at 9 p.m.

There will also be space for fireworks viewing at Bob Edwards Park, 7201 E. Long Look Drive, for families looking for a more peaceful setting.

― Roger Naylor, special for The Republic

Show Low to hold FreedomFest concerts and fireworks show

Celebrate America’s independence in the cool pines of Show Low on July 4. The celebration starts at 9 a.m. with a parade along the Deuce of Clubs.

As it wraps up, head for Frontier Park, 650 N. Ninth Place, for the SplashZone event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids will love the new interactive splash pad, which opened in May. And the fire department will be on hand, periodically unleashing sprinklers and geysers of water. If all goes as planned, there won’t be a dry kid in Show Low by noon.

At 3 p.m., it’s time to head to FreedomFest at the Show Low Football Stadium complex, 500 W. Linden Road. There will be specialty foods and desserts along the midway. Bands keep the party rocking and a BMX Super Hero Stunt Show performs three shows of high-flying acrobatics. Fireworks are scheduled at 9 p.m. All events are free. 928-537-2326, www.showlowchamber.com.

― Roger Naylor, special for The Republic

Phoenix Fourth of July fireworks to return

Fabulous Phoenix 4th will be back for 2023, marking the annual fireworks display's first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, according to the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

The event is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4.

The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, while supply chain issues prevented it from going forward in 2022.

Fabulous Phoenix 4th, now in its 35th year, is one of the Southwest's largest fireworks displays. Phoenix parks staff estimates the event includes more than 7,800 aerial effects.

Besides the fireworks, there will be food, music and games for all ages.

The fireworks will be at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

There is no public parking. The rideshare and taxi area is on Second Street just south of Indian School Road. There are three pedestrian entrances: Central and Glenrosa Avenues (convenient to the Valley Metro light rail), Third Street and Indian School Road and Seventh Street just north of Turney Avenue.

The Phoenix fireworks display is free. For more information, visit the city's Fabulous Phoenix 4th website.

― Michael Salerno

Arizona Diamondbacks won't have July 4th fireworks (again)

For years, the fireworks show at Chase Field was a Valley staple on or near July 4th.

But for the second straight year, the Arizona Diamondbacks will not be having a fireworks show at the MLB stadium on Independence Day.

The team's game against the New York Mets that day is scheduled to begin at 1:10 p.m., meaning that it should be over well before it is dark, but the Diamondbacks couldn't even offer fireworks if it had a later start time for the game.

The Chase Field roof has not been fixed yet, meaning it could not be opened for the fireworks show anyway. The roof will be closed due to high summer temperatures and the roof must remain stationary when fans are present due to an issue with the cables in the system to open the roof.

The same issue prevented the Diamondbacks from having a July 4th fireworks show last year, so the team moved up the start time of the game in 2022 to 3:10 p.m. as a result of not having the show.

— Jeremy Cluff

These are the best things to do in metro Phoenix this weekend

The Fourth of July lands on a Tuesday this year and that means an extra long weekend for anyone lucky enough to also be taking Monday off.

Whether you're ready to celebrate Independence Day by heading to a fireworks blowout with family and friends, chilling at an adults-only pool party or packing the car and setting off for some part of Arizona that's cooler, greener or has a great swimming beach, we've got you covered.

Read this story to find out what are the best things to do in metro Phoenix and around Arizona for Fourth of July 2023, plus some money-saving tips to fight the high cost of gas.

— Jill Cassidy

Launching fireworks this July 4th? Here's what is illegal

Fourth of July season often means setting off fireworks in the backyard or taking Instagram-worthy photos holding sparklers with friends.

However, some fireworks are illegal to use in Arizona, even on Independence Day.

In general, the kinds of fireworks that are illegal are most likely to annoy your neighbor — the ones that shoot up in the air and make loud noises. Those are considered unsafe for at-home use.

If you're caught setting them off in metro Phoenix, you might face a hefty penalty, depending on what city you're in.

Glendale's fines are the highest in the Valley. The citation for a first offense is $1,500, and $2,000 for a second offense.

Read about what other Valley cities will fine for illegal fireworks use.

— Endia Fontanez

Tempe Town Lake's 4th of July fireworks have moved. Here's where

If you were planning on going to the fireworks at Tempe Town Lake on the Fourth of July, we have news for you: Tempe Town Lake isn't having July 4 fireworks this year. The display has been moved to a new location.

But you can still don the red, white and blue; enjoy hot dogs, burgers and fun times with family and friends; and see the sky lit up in beautiful colors.

Tempe's Fourth of July 2023 fireworks will be held at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive.

There will be games, activities and live music. NineBall will take the stage at 5 p.m. and Presley Tennant will play at 8:15 p.m. There will be food and sweets from local vendors. A Family Fun Zone will include inflatables, a rock wall and more.

— Dina Kaur

Excessive heat warnings in 8 counties this weekend

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings in eight Arizona counties starting Saturday at 10 a.m. afternoon and lasting until 8 p.m. July 4 to prepare for extremely hot holiday weekend temperatures.

The eight counties include Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, Yuma, La Paz, most of Mohave and Yavapai, and some areas of Coconino County.

"We're going into a holiday weekend, and we're expecting some dangerously hot temperatures," said National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Salerno. "We're expecting extreme temperatures up to 115 degrees in the Phoenix metro area."

Salerno said every day through Tuesday will surpass 100 degrees, even reaching over 110 degrees, likely before noon.

Saturday will see highs just over 110 degrees across much of the Phoenix area, but Salerno said Sunday will be the peak, with temperatures across the Valley reaching 113 to 115 degrees.

Monday highs will remain around 113 to 115 degrees in the Phoenix area, and Tuesday, the Fourth of July, will bring slightly cooler conditions with highs around 108 to 112 degrees.

Because of the warning, Phoenix will also close popular trails at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1 to July 4.

The weather service advised residents to take necessary precautions in order to avoid experiencing heat-related illnesses:

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid exposure to sun

• Use air conditioning if you have it

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing

— Joa Jacobo Rivera and Ellie Willard

DUI checkpoints in place across the Valley

Cities across the Valley have announced their efforts to combat drunken driving during this Fourth of July weekend.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety provided funding to police departments across the area to conduct these operations.

Here's a list of the different police departments in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety running the initiative this weekend.

In Chandler, the Police Department is running its DUI saturation patrol from Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4.

Scottsdale Police Department announced on Wednesday its efforts which will run a day later than Chandler starting on July 1 and ending on July 4.

Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe police and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are also in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety during this holiday weekend.

Yuma police will also be running this program starting on July 1 and ending on July 4. Yuma police also gave residents tips on how to remain safe during the weekend.

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, Uber, call a sober friend or family member.

• If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.

• And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

No road closures planned; expect major travel over holiday weekend

The Arizona Department of Transportation has no road closures planned between June 30 and July 5. However, people going to Flagstaff and northern Arizona should be aware that parts of Interstate 17 on a 30-mile stretch south of Interstate 40 are reduced to one lane because of pavement improvement work, the agency said.

If you're driving, be patient. Of the 50.7 million Americans AAA expects will travel for the Fourth of July, 43.2 million plan to travel by car.

Generally, the best time to drive to avoid traffic is early in the morning or after 6 p.m., according to the transportation data company INRIX. The worst time is the late afternoon, when travelers mix with rush hour commuters.

Nationwide and in metro Phoenix, Friday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 4, will be the busiest days to travel. On June 30, INRIX expects traveling between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. will expose motorists to unusually heavy traffic.

"With record-breaking travelers expected on the road this holiday weekend, drivers should prepare for above-average delays to their favorite destinations," INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue said in a forecast. "Using traffic apps, local DOT notifications and 511 services are key to minimizing holiday travel traffic frustrations this Independence Day."

Motorists should prepare for hazards along the way, such as stormy weather or crashes that close the highway, and not drive while drowsy or impaired.

Having an emergency kit with supplies such as bottled water, snacks and medical or hygiene necessities may be important in case of an unscheduled traffic stop or getting stranded on the roadway, Nintzel said.

— Michael Salerno

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fourth of July in Arizona: Live updates on travel, weather, fireworks