Travelers heading out for Fourth of July may encounter delays both on the road and in the air due to a cold front sweeping through the US. This front is expected to bring storms to the eastern part of the country, which could lead to a potentially rainy July Fourth for the Southeast region. 

This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Friday, resulting in an extended three-day weekend. As a result, AAA forecasts a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans traveling for the holiday, adding to the increased traffic and potential travel disruptions. 

The FOX Forecast Center is closely monitoring the approaching cold front and the unsettled weather patterns associated with it. Early in the week, travelers looking to kick off their celebrations early may experience travel disturbances from the Ohio Valley down to the Southeastern states. 

On Monday, as the cold front sags across New England, some stronger thunderstorms are possible across major cities from Tampa in Florida to Cleveland in Ohio to Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. These storms could cause ripple-effect delays across the country for airline travelers. 

By Tuesday, the tough travel conditions will extend to the Northeast flight hubs as storms fire along the Interstate 95 corridor. Thunderstorms could impact travel up and down this region, including cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, Baltimore, Atlanta and Tallahassee, Florida.

On Wednesday, things dry out for the Northeast, Midwest and northern Plains, but the Southeast continues to face storm chances. Stormy conditions are possible along the coastal Carolinas through Georgia, with increasing thunderstorm activity across Florida as tropical moisture contributes to the drenching this week. 

The National Hurricane Center tagged an area to watch off the Southeast coast later this week, with some possible development heading into the holiday weekend. Regardless of any development, tropical downpours are likely for Florida. 

For the holiday itself, stormy conditions will remain for the Southeast, especially in Florida. In the Southwest, monsoon moisture and tropical moisture will contribute to storm chances for the Four Corners region. 

Meanwhile, the West Coast, Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic and Northeast look to have the best forecast for Fourth of July celebrations. 

Cities including Columbus, Ohio, St. Louis and Chicago have favorable conditions for Independence Day.