Most Western Washington residents would joke that is one day early.

However, following nicer and sunnier weather for Friday and Saturday, a quick-hitting trough of low pressure will swing through on Sunday, bringing cooler temperatures and some showers.

But for Monday, high pressure surges across the region, clearing skies by late morning of the Fourth and lasting through the day, giving plenty of sunshine for cookouts and being outdoors.

Longer-range weather patterns and forecast models indicate a likelihood of many warm and mainly sunny days through the next ten days following the Fourth. There could be a few days with more cloudiness, though it is looking quite probable that we'll look back on July 4th as the start of "summer in Seattle."

Fourth of July Stats

Despite the chilly and showery Fourth of July last year, an analysis of the last ten Independence Day holidays (as recorded at Sea-Tac) shows an average high temperature of 74.8 degrees. The 30-year average high temperature for the date is 74 degrees.

The National Weather Service in Seattle provided us with the statistic that about 28 percent of Fourth of July holidays going all the way back to 1893 had measurable rainfall.

Here are the last ten July 4 holiday records at Sea-Tac (precipitation noted when it occurred):

2010 High 65 Precipitation: 0.11"

2009 High 87

2008 High 71

2007 High 84

2006 High 75 Precipitation: 0.02"

2005 High 79

2004 High 71

2003 High 75

2002 High 65 Precipitation: Trace

2001 High 76

Average: 74.8