WEATHER FORECAST FOR JULY FOURTH
Wondering about the weather, the fireworks, the traffic or the condition of area lakes? Find out here.
We’re answering a few frequently asked questions to make sure you are ready for this Fourth of July holiday.
What’s the weather going to be like?
The National Weather Service outlook for Monday and Tuesday calls for daytime temperatures peaking in the upper 90s with balmy nights in the upper 70s. On Independence Day, increased humidity could drive up the heat index, making it pretty sticky if you’re grilling outside. Skies are likely to be partly cloudy but not enough to stop fireworks, forecasters say.
So it won’t be recordbreaking hot?
Not even close — in fact, it’s supposed to be cooler than it was last year when temperatures reached 99 degrees.
No rain means fireworks, right?
Yes, in the capital city, the Austin Symphony will perform at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over Vic Mathias Shores along Lady Bird Lake. The free public event has a few rules, though: no alcohol; no glass or Styrofoam containers; no smok- ing and vaping in city parks; no drones; no pop-up canopies or tents; no pets; no grilling; no personal fireworks, including sparklers; and no swimming in Lady Bird Lake.
Can you watch from the water?
No. Lady Bird Lake will be closed to all watercraft on Tuesday between 8 and 10:30 p.m., from the First Street bridge to the railroad trestle bridge.
What kind of parking is available?
Before you come in a vehicle, think about using Capital Metro buses or a bike because parking will be limited. Neighborhood no-parking restrictions will be in
effect and nearby pay garages will run out of spaces quickly and can cost as much as $15 an hour.
So more people will be on the road?
Yes, and some might be partying too much, so Central Texas law enforcement agencies and the Texas Department of Public Safety are beefing up traffic enforcement to curb drunken driving. Between the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night until Wednesday, Austin police will get extra help to obtain search warrants if a motorist suspected of drunken driving refuses to provide a breath or blood sample.
What about taking day trips?
If you’re making that hourslong drive from Austin to the beach for the holiday, a record 2.7 million Texans will be on the road with you, according to AAA Texas, and GasBuddy.com reports that gas prices nationally this weekend are at their lowest level for the holiday since July 4, 2005. In the Austin area, AAA Texas says the average price per gallon for unleaded fuel is $2.05, down a nickel compared with a week ago.
Never mind driving, how are the lakes this year?
All public boat ramps on the Highland Lakes, including lakes Travis and Austin, and on Lady Bird Lake are open. Lake Travis is 94 percent full, with lake elevation hovering around 677 feet above mean sea level. But beware that on Lake Austin, police will be enforcing a holiday ban on powered watercraft such as jet skis, wet bikes and motorized surfboards from sunset Monday until sunrise Wednesday. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other nonmotorized craft will be allowed.
Got any safety tips?
Adults can drown in 60 seconds, and children can drown in as little as 20, so be vigilant. Kids younger than 13 are required to wear a life jacket anytime they’re on a boat. A struggling swimmer might not attract attention unless someone is watching, so don’t swim alone or while intoxicated.
Boating while intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum jail stint of 72 hours. You can also lose your driver’s license and have your boat temporarily confiscated.