NYC will have clear skies for the July 4th fireworks display

New Yorkers can look forward to clear skies this July 4th, perfect for watching fireworks – but first they’ll have to wait for the weekend’s rain and smog to clear.

Temperatures in Central Park are expected to hit nearly 80 degrees on Saturday, but the air is still not ideal for outdoor activities due to persistent smoke from Canada’s wildfires.

“We’re still going to have some haze and smoke, and the air quality is a little worse,” said Brian Mastro, meteorologist at the Fox Forecast Center. “But that will improve over the next few days.”

Rainfall, including thunderstorms, is possible throughout the day on Sunday.

Temperatures are only expected to rise above 70 degrees, meaning it’s not the best day of the bank holiday weekend for an outside BBQ or hitting the beach.

“Sunday there is a risk that it will rain for most of the day,” Mastro said. “So Sunday will be the worst day for that.”

However, the rain on Sunday will have a positive effect, as it will drive away the remaining smog in the air.

“Once some of that rain comes in, we’re going to totally get away with it,” he explained.

It will feel more like mid-summer as Monday warms up with temperatures expected to peak into the upper 80s.

For those heading to the beach, chances are “coming summer thunderstorms” will spoil their fun in the sun on Monday.

On July 4th the weather will be in the mid 80’s and the skies will be clear, perfect for the beach, BBQ and watching fireworks.