Warm, dry July Fourth weekend forecasted for Cowlitz County

Gray skies are going to clear up.

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That's what National Weather Service Meteorologist Rebecca Muessle said Wednesday about July Fourth weekend.

The Portland-based weather expert said the past few days of cloudy skies, cooler temperatures and sporadic rain are expected to end in time for festivities.

"We are looking at a warm and dry Independence Day weekend," she said.

Temperatures are expected to gradually increase in the region throughout the week, with no expected rain.

In more urban areas like Portland and Vancouver, that could mean highs of 80 to 85 degrees on Saturday's holiday.

But in Cowlitz County, which is more rural, the National Weather Service forecasts slightly more cloud coverage and a high of 76 to 78.

By Sunday, the area is forecasted to see mostly sunny skies and a high of around 80.

Mortcycle ride

A worker tests a kids' motorcycle ride in front of R.A. Long High School as part of Go 4th on Wednesday, July 1 in Longview. The annual festival runs Thursday through Saturday.

Avoiding the rest of US's heat wave

The week's cooler, rainier weather was brought on by an onshore flow, which Muessle said is helping the region avoid the expected record-breaking temperatures in other parts of the country, from Kansas to New York.

Muessle said those areas' extreme heat risks are heightened because their temperatures are not cooling at night.

Despite local cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the U.S., Muessle still warned locals to stay hydrated and remember that area bodies of waters, like lakes and rivers, do not warm up like the atmosphere does.

On Wednesday, Columbia River Operational Hydrometeorological Management System reported the Columbia River's temperature was at an average of 59 degrees.

When water temperatures drop below 77 degrees, swimmers' breathing begins to be affected, according to Vancouver-based nonprofit National Center for Cold Water Safety.

"Cold water shock remains a threat," Muessle said.

Round up

Workers put together a round up ride on Wednesday, July 1 in front of R.A. Long High School at part of Longview's Go 4th. The carnival runs noon to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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