The Fourth of July is looked upon as a unique and special day in American history. It is on this day where all Americans pay tribute to the country by giving back in celebrating its heritage and culture. Weather conditions have always played an important role for the success of the birthday festivities. Unfortunately, not every July 4th commemoration is gifted with puffy clouds, bright sunshine, and mild temperatures. America's big day has had its fair share of extreme and dreary weather, especially in our neck of the woods.
Excluding parades, cookouts, and multi-colored firework displays, you may wonder what the final mechanism would be to create a flawless Fourth of July celebration. Since the fun and excitement has been covered, the only aspect left to fulfilling such an experience is the atmosphere. During the meteorological summer of June through August, a high-pressure system forms over the island of Bermuda. The presence of the Bermuda High affects all residents along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Due to North Conway's location, winds blow from a westerly movement and travel down the eastern slope of the White Mountains. As the air sinks towards the coastline, it compresses, forms puffy clouds, and warms the region. The added warming helps the Valley to be among the top five warmest areas in New England during the summer months.
The presence of the Bermuda High is valuable for beautiful weather in North Conway. However, its presence can allow the area to receive extreme weather on days such as the Fourth of July. Would you believe that one of the first weather observations to occur in the United States was by Benjamin Franklin on the historic day? Though not extreme, he recorded a comfortable temperature of 76 degrees with overcast skies. During the year of 1911, the northeastern United States received one of the hottest days on record, which was, of course, on the Fourth of July. Bridgeton, Maine, recorded 100 degrees, while Nashua documented 106 degrees. The temperature continues to stand as the warmest temperature to ever be recorded in New Hampshire.
Mother Nature usually grants mild weather and partly cloudy conditions on the Fourth of July. The Valley statistically receives a fifty-five percent chance of 80-degree weather with dry conditions. Very rarely are the fireworks dampened by natures own celebration, which would be lightning. In fact, a twenty-five percent chance exists for such an occurrence to take place. Yes, even snow has occurred on the special day, which was during the year of 1816. Will snow fall this year? As of now, there is no chance for the white stuff to fall. In fact, the current prediction from the National Weather Service has it that the first significant heat wave could occur for the majority of the Fourth of July week. Therefore, ninety-degree weather and sunny conditions could be that of reality. The hot weather always produces a thunderstorm or two, which means to keep safe, enjoy the conditions, and as always, celebrate America.