America's 250th birthday is just around the corner, and it is time to celebrate! But who could be dealing with damp fireworks, who will see winds and who may have fire weather trying to cancel your plans?

The day before

If you are like me, and you plan to celebrate on July 3rd, let's start here. Those of you across the Southwest and the Central and Southern Plains will see clear skies.

Now for the areas to watch — and this forecast will be narrowed down in the days ahead.

The Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, parts of Florida and the Northeast will all need to be monitored.

Cities that may see rain: Seattle, Billings, Minneapolis, Chicago, Memphis, New Orleans, Miami and New York City.

July 4th

Do your best eagle impression when you see your friends because it is America's 250th birthday! Just kidding, but if you actually do, let me know.

The forecast looks clearer for the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies, but the Northern Plains and much of the East could see rain.

Cities that may see rain: Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Atlanta, New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.

Leftover fireworks

For those of you who plan on saving a few fireworks for July 5, here's a breakdown of what could happen that day as well.

The rain chances become much more scattered, with only pockets of the Upper Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast seeing a chance of rain this far out.

Cities that may see rain: Minneapolis, Burlington, New Orleans, Memphis, Charlotte and Miami.

Temperature forecast

While much of the country will bake under sizzling heat this week, temperatures should actually drop a few degrees for the holiday. Despite the slight drop in temperatures, much of the East will still remain hot, as well as the South. Extreme heat will begin building in the West as we get into the weekend, which will feel like whiplash after the cooler week.

Wind forecast

We have talked a lot about rain, what about the winds expected around Saturday night? The map below shows the areas in the country that may have stronger wind gusts around the time of the fireworks shows. While the East could see more rain, the West could have more problems with the wind.

Could drought be a hazard?

While we have been talking about rain and wind chances across the U.S. for the Fourth of July, something that has to be taken into consideration is drought. Areas that are in the highest drought on the map below, shown by the darker shades of red, may have restrictions on just how many fireworks can be launched.

Specifically in the West, there is a more notable drought that has been increasing, while the East has seen rounds of rainfall really chip away at the long-standing drought.

(MORE: Fast-moving fire in Utah becomes largest in US)

The West is also dealing with wildfires, specifically across the Southwest, so that could also be an issue for fireworks viewing.

If you are in an area dealing with a drought, check local government agencies for any guidance about firework safety and follow any instructions and regulations. It's better to have a less sparkly Fourth of July than to spark what could be an extremely dangerous situation.

Even if you are not in a drought area, be careful when handling fireworks. I got burned one time, but that is a story for another time.

But I hope everyone has a fantastic Fourth of July!