Labor Day weekend forecast: Central US heat dome to be surrounded by showers, storms
The best bet for rain-free weather for the Labor Day weekend will be in the middle of the nation due to a heat dome. Meanwhile, showers and storms will roam the edges from the West to the Canada border and in the East.
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Taking to the roads, rails or sky, or perhaps just hanging out at home during the last official holiday weekend of the summer? AccuWeather has the hot spots and the "not-so-hot" locations leading up to Labor Day.
Extreme heat during much of the holiday weekend may not be found in the traditional desert locations, as a massive heat dome will concentrate its efforts over the central and southern portions of the Plains and Mississippi Valley.
Dallas; Oklahoma City; St. Louis; Nashville; Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; and others in the region will be in the throes of a late-summer swelter for the middle and latter part of this week that will last into next week. Widespread highs well into the 90s to low 100s are forecast, 8-15 degrees above the historical average.
Sunshine and high humidity across most areas will push AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures 5-15 degrees above actual temperatures, adding to the uncomfortable and dangerous conditions. If you can't find a pool or a cool lake to hang out at, staying hydrated, limiting physical activity and seeking air conditioning is recommended.
Surrounding the heat dome will be a ring of showers and thunderstorms that will cover a large part of the West, the northern tier of the Plains, parts of the Midwest and much of the Southeast.
While the wet pattern is much needed for drought concerns from Southern California and Arizona to Wyoming, locally torrential downpours can raise the risk of flash flooding in urban areas, and especially in the canyons and arroyos.
Some of the storms may be strong and gusty as well. Those heading to California beaches will have to dodge some showers and contend with more afternoon clouds than they experienced most of the summer. Offshore tropical activity is also likely to bring rounds of large swells and sneaker waves.
Ahead of the Labor Day weekend, severe storms in parts of the Midwest and East are likely to cause flight disruptions.
The zone from the upper Great Lakes to southwestern Virginia, southward to northern Georgia and the southern Atlantic and eastern Gulf coasts is likely to remain active with rounds of showers and thunderstorms during the extended weekend. While it should not rain more than one-quarter of the weekend in most areas, there will be some exceptions. Also, complexes of storms can occur outside the typical afternoon and evening hours. As in parts of the West, there is the potential for localized flash flooding and pockets of severe weather.
Showers are in the forecast for the Northwest, where cool conditions will prevail.
A broad zone of disorganized showers, thunderstorms and low pressure from the eastern Gulf to the southwestern Atlantic will be watched for tropical activity starting this weekend. At this time, the development risk is low.
While the weather in the Northeast may be less than ideal for heading to the beach this weekend, the cool conditions will provide some natural air conditioning for those with limited resources or struggling to pay high cooling bills over much of the summer. There will be a couple of passing showers or thunderstorms in the region.
Labor Day travel to cost with peak traffic during weekend afternoons
Labor Day travelers should prepare for higher prices and crowded roads, particularly Thursday and Friday, according to AAA.
AAA booking data for Sept. 3-7 shows domestic round-trip airfare averaging $750, up 2% from last year. Flights to the most popular destinations average $790, nearly 20% more. Domestic hotel rates are 9% higher, while international hotel prices have increased 12%. Gasoline could also cost more than during Labor Day 2025, when the national average was $3.19 per gallon.
However, travelers looking at international destinations may find some savings. International airfare is down 4%, while cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4% cheaper, averaging $2,700 per booking.
When is the worst time to travel for Labor Day weekend
Traffic congestion builds around parking structures at the Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Drivers can expect the worst congestion Thursday through Monday in the afternoon and evening when sharing roads with daily commuters. Those peak travel times include Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.
AAA recommends leaving early and avoiding afternoon travel, making the morning hours the best option on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Those returning Monday should depart before 2 p.m. when possible.
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