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Does it feel like it always rains on the Fourth of July? Or is it a myth? A review of western Washington weather records for Independence Day so far this century reveals answers.

Going back through 2001, it has rained only twice at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), five times at Paine Field in Everett, and twice in Olympia. The heaviest amount fell at Paine Field in 2002 with nearly two-tenths of an inch of rain. The last measurable rainfall fell 9 years ago in 2016, again at Paine Field with only five-hundredths of an inch of rain.

Sea-Tac high temperatures since 2001 on July 4聽have ranged from a cool 65 degrees in 2002 to a hot 92 degrees in 2015. Last year, the high temperature was 83 degrees with plenty of sunshine. Since the start of the century, the average Independence Day high temperature has been 75.9 degrees.

At Olympia, the average high temperature has been 76.5 degrees, including a spread of 63 degrees in 2002 to 93 degrees in 2015. Last year, the high temperature on Independence Day was a toasty 86 degrees. Paine Field reached 79 degrees last year on the Fourth.

This week鈥檚 weather forecast, including Fourth of July weekend

During early July, it is quite common to have a weather pattern of morning clouds and afternoon sunshine. By Wednesday and into the holiday weekend, that weather pattern will be the case across western Washington. High temperatures will be quite seasonal, ranging from the mid-60s near shorelines to the 70s elsewhere from mid-week into the weekend.

The evening of the Fourth should have clear skies for a delightful evening of public fireworks shows.

Peak holiday travel times

Holiday travel for this week is already underway, with some taking the whole week off. Travel is expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday, and again on Sunday, when many who left town return.

Across the nation, according to the AAA travel forecast, over 72 million Americans are anticipated to travel over 50 miles for the Independence Day holiday weekend, a new record. Nearly 60 million will drive, and almost 6 million will fly.

Locally on the road, the Washington State Department of Transportation said highways like I-90, I-5, and US 2 will be busiest Wednesday through the holiday weekend, from late morning until around 7 p.m.

All highway road work will be paused to assist drivers. For I-90 drivers that use the Vantage Bridge across the Columbia River, starting July 9, bridge roadwork will resume full time until Labor Day Weekend, with only one lane in each direction crossing the bridge, resulting in delays.

If using the ferry system, Washington State Ferries cautions that the schedule could be changed based on available vessels and potential staffing shortages. Ferry authorities note the busiest sailings for vehicles will likely be westbound (or onto an island) Wednesday through Friday, and eastbound (or off an island) Saturday and Sunday.

Be sure to check the ferry schedule on their or app for the latest available information, and plan for delays in ferry terminal waits. To reduce waiting, riders may consider taking an early morning or late-night sailing, or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry if possible.

Gas prices continue to climb in western Washington

On June 30, average Washington gas prices were about 12 cents higher than a year ago at $4.44 per gallon of regular fuel.

On July 1, though, the state鈥檚 gas tax at the pump is set to climb another 6 cents per gallon, the first rise on the gas tax in nearly a decade. The additional 6 cents brings the total to 55.4 cents per gallon, remaining the third highest in the nation, behind Pennsylvania at 57.6 cents and California at 61.2 cents per gallon.

Across Washington, the lowest gas prices can be found in parts of eastern Washington, including Spokane County and the northeast part of the state, Asotin County, and Yakima County. In western Washington, lower gas prices can be found in Whatcom, Skagit, Thurston, and Clark Counties.

In neighboring states, the average gas price in Oregon is $4.05 per gallon of regular, and in Idaho $3.43 a gallon. In contrast, the average price of regular fuel in British Columbia is $1.73 per liter, which translates to about $6.56 a gallon.

Fireworks and warm, dry conditions

This year has been much drier than average. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor showed all of western Washington is abnormally dry or in moderate drought. Sea-Tac is nearly 6 inches below average for the year thus far, Olympia is close to 9 inches behind, Everett Paine Field is nearly 12 inches, and usually wet Forks is a whopping 20 inches below normal for the year.

Grasses and shrubs are dry, and fireworks can easily ignite them. If using fireworks, be sure to have plenty of water on hand to knock down any fires that may start. Avoid the use of any fireworks that shoot into the air, such as bottle rockets that can start a house or brush fire.

The best choice to enjoy fireworks is to visit a public fireworks display throughout western Washington. As the country celebrates its 249th birthday, have a safe and sane Fourth of July with family, friends, and neighbors.

Ted Buehner is the 成人X站 Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on聽听补苍诲听. Read more of his stories here.