Will rain, smoke disrupt July 4 weekend in Southern Tier? What we know

Emily Barnes, Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
Updated ·2 min read

Rain showers, thunderstorms and smoke from the Canadian wildfires will continue to plague the Southern Tier throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Many people throughout the area are heading out to parades, parks and fireworks shows or hosting bashes of their own.

Here's what to expect weather-wise for the Fourth of July:

The weather forecast for the July Fourth weekend includes a possibility of rain. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires may also make its way back into the area.
The weather forecast for the July Fourth weekend includes a possibility of rain. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires may also make its way back into the area.

Will it rain on July 4?

As drier air moves into the area by Tuesday, there will still be a chance for some showers in the afternoon but not very widespread on the July Fourth holiday, National Weather Service meteorologist Adam Gill says. Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-80s.

Expect rain in the days leading up to the holiday, though. Saturday, a front is approaching the Binghamton area from the west, resulting in increasing clouds throughout the day.

"It looks like the precipitation chances will be holding off until the afternoon hours, likely sometime after 3 to 4 p.m. [Saturday]," Gill said.

On Sunday, there will be some quieter weather in the morning followed by frequent showers and thunderstorms through most of the day.

What's going on with the smoke?

Gill said the smoke should be slowly blowing north of us and we should see an improvement Friday night into Saturday.

As for July Fourth itself, it depends on how the fires are throughout the weekend but there is a chance for the smoke to return.

"There will be favorable winds to bring smoke back into the region," Gill said. "Expect at least a little bit."

Wildfire smoke map: Track fires and red flag warnings here

Rain keeping you indoors on July Fourth? These ideas can keep the celebration going

Watch a July 4 movie

Head over to AMC Theaters on the Vestal Parkway, Regal on Front Street in Binghamton or the Cinema Saver in Endicott to catch "Elemental," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" or "The Little Mermaid."

"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" also debuts in theaters Friday.

Or stay at home and throw on one of your favorite movies, perhaps one with a July Fourth theme like "Independence Day," "Jaws" or "The Sandlot."

Host an indoor BBQ or picnic

Move the party indoors and mix up some pasta salad, slice up some watermelon and throw some burgers on the frying pan to serve up at the dining room table instead.

Watch Fourth of July celebrations on TV

Even if it's raining at home, you can catch outdoor celebrations happening around the country July 4.

Tune into the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York City or A Capital Fourth in Washington, D.C.

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: July 4th NY weather outlook: What to expect in Southern Tier