July 4th forecast map: Will you have clear skies for fireworks?

(NEXSTAR) – People in some areas of the U.S. may want to stock up on their own sparklers, Roman candles and fountains, because the weather may put a damper on July Fourth fireworks displays.

“Some parts of the United States are going to have to deal with Mother Nature’s fireworks, and the manmade ones may get a little bit of a washout,” said Chief Meteorologist Brian James with the Nexstar Weather Center.

The central part of the United States and down toward the Southeast have the greatest chance of rain and thunderstorms, according to James.

The Dakotas, western parts of Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas all have suboptimal forecasts for Independence Day.

Heat will also be a factor for a number of cities with highs expected to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit in Chicago, 93 in Louisville, 104 in Phoenix and 102 in Las Vegas.

So where are clear skies in the forecast? Green in the map below indicates areas with the best forecast for fireworks viewing:

Best, worst times to travel

With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday, experts at auto club AAA are expecting a record-setting 72.2 million Americans to take a domestic trip over the long weekend, packing the nation’s highways, rails and airports.

As for road trips, AAA is forecasting that a record 61.6 million people will travel by car – a 2.2% increase, or 1.3 million additional travelers, over last year.

According to transportation data provider Inrix, July 2 and July 6 are expected to be the busiest driving days.

AAA projects that the Fourth of July week will also see a record 5.84 million air travelers over the Independence Day week, a 1.4% jump from last year’s record of 5.76 million.

The Transportation Security Administration says it is prepared for the holiday rush at the nation’s airports, but warns air travelers that they should expect the busiest day to be Sunday, July 6, when passenger volume is forecast to reach 2.9 million.