Showers and storms are in the July 4 forecast for Milwaukee and other Wisconsin cities

It might seem like summer just started, but the Fourth of July will be here on Thursday.

Perhaps you’re looking forward to celebrating with a cookout, boat ride or fireworks. But, before you plan your festivities, you should probably check the forecast.

Showers and possible thunderstorms developing along a warm front passing through Iowa and Illinois could dampen celebrations across Wisconsin during peak fireworks hours, said Milwaukee-Sullivan National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Gehring. This system is expected to spread from the southwestern portion of the state to the northeast throughout the day.

Here’s what to know if you’re celebrating Independence Day in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Fourth of July forecast

Milwaukee can expect a high around 80 degrees on Thursday, July 4, with warmer temperatures further from Lake Michigan. A 30% chance of precipitation is in the forecast for the city after 1 p.m. Winds are expected to be light for daytime celebrations.

Thursday evening, precipitation chances climb to 40% around 6 p.m. and increase throughout the night. Thunderstorms are possible late in the evening. Gehring said it’s not yet certain whether the storms will hold off until most fireworks shows are over.

“That 50% chance (of precipitation) won’t be until late in the evening,” he said. “I think there’s a pretty good chance any fireworks that are occurring the evening of the Fourth, you could still get them in. But, it’s really up in the air here what’s going to happen Thursday night.”

Madison Fourth of July forecast

Madison is expected to see a high around 82 degrees on Thursday, with partly sunny weather through the early afternoon. Winds are expected to be calm. Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 1 p.m., NWS says, with a 55% chance of precipitation at 6 p.m., increasing throughout the evening.

Like in Milwaukee, it is not yet certain whether the storms will disrupt peak fireworks hours or strike later on in the night, Gehring said.

Green Bay and Door County Fourth of July forecast

Widespread periods of rain are expected in the evening and overnight hours of July 4 in northeastern Wisconsin, but the exact timing is still unknown, said Green Bay NWS meteorologist Gus Kaiser.

A high of 83 degrees is in the forecast for Green Bay on Thursday. Door County is expected to see a high near 80.

“There is a 30 to 40% chance (of precipitation) here in Green Bay after about 6-7 p.m. and increasing through the evening,” Kaiser said. “Then, Door County is that pushed back an hour or two. So, the further east you are, the better chance things could be dry for fireworks.”

Rhinelander and northwestern Wisconsin Fourth of July forecast

July 4 showers and storms are most likely during peak fireworks time in northwestern and north-central Wisconsin. In Rhinelander, precipitation chances are expected to increase from 50% to 70% throughout the holiday afternoon, Kaiser said.

Rhinelander is expected to see a high of 79 degrees on Independence Day with chances of showers beginning around 1 p.m. and increasing throughout the evening.

A high of 81 degrees is in the forecast for Eau Claire with calm winds in the afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the holiday. Precipitation chances climb from 55% at 3 p.m. to 70% at 9 p.m.

Can I shoot off fireworks during a thunderstorm?

It is not recommended to shoot off fireworks during a storm.

According to WeatherSTEM, lightning is the most dangerous weather condition in which to hold fireworks shows. Unlit fireworks can be sparked by stray lightning strikes and ignite on the ground, which can be quite hazardous for people nearby. Additionally, spectators risk being struck by lightning if sitting outside to watch fireworks during a storm.

Plus, storms can ruin the magic of a fireworks show. Storms can bring humid conditions and high levels of water vapor in the air. If the air is too humid, fireworks’ colors will be less bright, and they may not light properly.

Wisconsin weather radar

Wisconsin weather warnings

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