An estimated 72.2 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home this week, including 61.4 million by car, AAA said.
On land or on water, officials are warning about the higher-than-usual volume of cars on the highway and boats on the water this Fourth of July weekend.
The combination of hot weather and Independence Day falling on a weekend this year is expected to add to the volume of cars and boats.
An estimated 72.2 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home this week, including 61.4 million by car, far above the usual summer weekend but on par with the July 4th period in 2025, JAAA said.
"For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “The nine-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
Gas prices have fallen from springtime highs. On Wednesday, the average price per gallon in Maine was $3.847, slightly below the national average of $3.879, according to AAA.
By air, AAA projects that 5.85 million travelers will take domestic flights this week, a 0.2% increase over last year.
The weather
With Friday a federal holiday, Thursday is expected to see much of the traffic.
It is also expected to be a brutally hot day, with high temperatures reaching 95 degrees in southern Maine. The "real feel" temperature will be 102 degrees and the UV index will be nine on a scale of one to 10, according to the National Weather Service.
Air quality is also expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Separately, the American Lung Association posted a warning about the effects of smoke from fireworks. "When fireworks explode, they release irritating gases and harmful metals, including carbon monoxide, aluminum and cadmium, into the air.
"Firework smoke also contains tiny particles, known as particulate matter, which can irritate the lungs, trigger asthma attacks and cause other respiratory symptoms," the Washington, D.C.-based association said. The group is urging people to stay indoors or stay upwind of the fireworks.
By sea
Boat operators are being urged to show caution this week.
The Maine Marine Patrol said it will be on the lookout for anyone violating Maine’s boating under the influence laws.
The Operation Dry Water weekend, running from July 3-5, is a national awareness and enforcement campaign coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The message: Don't drink and boat.
“Maine Marine Patrol Officers will be conducting targeted patrols along the coast from Kittery to the Canadian border focused on boaters who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Maine Marine Patrol Maj. Rob Beal.
According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents. Where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 20% of deaths.
“Boating under the influence is a preventable crime,” said Beal. “The Maine Marine Patrol strongly encourages boaters to stay safe by remaining sober while boating.”
Sun, wind, noise and the movement of the boat can all intensify the effects of alcohol or drug use, Beal added.
“Boaters can become impaired more quickly on the water than on land. Staying sober not only protects the boater but also everyone around them," he said.
Operating a boat with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher is against the law in Maine. BUI laws pertain to all vessels, from rowboats and kayaks to the largest ships.
