• Heat, storms and beach hazards could affect holiday plans 
  • Gas prices climbing for Fourth of July weekend travel
  • Fireworks celebrations mark America’s 250th, prompt statewide safety reminders

The Fourth of July weekend is shaping up to be hot, busy and potentially hazardous across Michigan as millions prepare to travel amid extreme heat, dangerous swimming conditions at some beaches and higher gas prices.

Whether you’re planning a beach day, road trip or fireworks show, officials are urging residents to prepare ahead. 

Several Lake Michigan beaches are under swim advisories, much of the state is forecast to see temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s and gas prices have climbed ahead of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Beach and swimming conditions

Before heading into the water, check the beach warning flags. Green means low hazard, yellow indicates moderate conditions, red signals dangerous water, and double red means the water is closed. Because Michigan state parks do not have lifeguards, swimmers should always use caution.

As of Wednesday, officials had issued advisories for several beaches, especially along Lake Michigan. 

A moderate swim risk was in effect for beaches in Grand Haven and northward on Wednesday, and the National Weather Service expects the risk to increase to high through the weekend. 

A moderate swim risk was also in effect for Ottawa, Oceana, Muskegon and Mason County beaches. 

Extreme heat

Michigan is expected to see a warm, mostly sunny holiday weekend, with temperatures rising across much of the state, so much so that many regions are under an extreme heat warning.  

Active heat warnings for Detroit and Grand Rapids run through Thursday.

Fourth of July temperatures will hit the low 90s in southeast and western Michigan before slightly dropping to the high 80s by Sunday.

Northern Michigan will see highs near 81 on Saturday and throughout the weekend. The Upper Peninsula should see highs near 73. 

Though temperatures will vary by region, there’s a chance of thunderstorms developing across the state beginning Friday afternoon.

Water temperatures

As air temperatures climb, the Great Lakes are also warming, providing more comfortable conditions for holiday beachgoers.

Parts of Lake Erie have warmed into the mid-70s, reaching the temperature generally considered comfortable for swimming, according to the National Center for Cold Water Safety.

Lake Ontario and Lake Huron remain cooler, with surface temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to high 70s. A Wednesday morning observation on Lake Huron near Alpena pegged the temperature at 62. 

Lake Michigan is similar. As of Wednesday morning, the water temperature at Holland State Park was 62 degrees. The water was a bit warmer at Grand Haven State Park, registering at 67 degrees, but waves topping 3-feet meant swimming was not advised on Wednesday. 

Lake Superior remains the coldest of the Great Lakes, with water temperatures in the western portion of the lake still hovering in the high 30s but reaching into the 50s and low 60s elsewhere. 

Travel and gas prices

Gas prices in Michigan have increased 9 cents over the past week, with the average price for regular unleaded now at $4.10 per gallon. That’s 42 cents lower than a month ago but 82 cents higher than the same time last year.

More than 2.4 million Michiganders are expected to travel by car during the Fourth of July holiday period, making this year’s road trips more expensive at the pump, according to AAA. 

“Michigan drivers are seeing higher gas prices as we head into a busy Fourth of July travel week,” Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group, said in a statement. “With ongoing volatility at the pump and prices still above last year, planning ahead can help travelers manage fuel costs.” 

AAA recommends drivers: 

  • Combine errands to limit driving time 
  • Shop around for the best gas prices in your community 
  • Consider paying cash because some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card
  • Remove excess weight in your vehicle
  • Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy

Fireworks laws and safety

Michigan residents are allowed to set off fireworks from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day through July 5 under state law. During those hours, local governments cannot prohibit fireworks, though they may choose to permit them during additional days or times.

Fireworks may only be discharged on private property. Using them on public property, including streets, sidewalks, school grounds and church property, is against the law and can result in fines of up to $500.

Only consumer fireworks sold in stores, such as sparklers and smoke bombs, may be used legally by the public on private property. State law also prohibits the sale of fireworks to anyone younger than 18.

The DNR offers the following safety tips when handling fireworks: 

  • Soak used fireworks in water before discarding them 
  • Have a bucket of water or hose nearby 
  • Do not use aerial fireworks in state parks or recreational areas 
  • Only light fireworks during the allotted time frame set by the state

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, communities across Michigan are celebrating with fireworks displays, parades and festivals that honor the country’s founding.

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