Fourth of July weather: Some clouds, slightly below-normal temps

Independence Day will probably start off a little cloudy in Los Angeles, but forecasters expect a sunny holiday ripe for barbeques and firework shows.

Temperatures are expected to be slightly below normal across Los Angeles County, said weather specialist Stuart Seto with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

Thursday’s highs should top out at 74 degrees along the coast, 81 in downtown L.A., 87 in Pasadena and 93 in Woodland Hills.

An excessive heat warning remains in effect for the lower mountain elevations until 8 p.m. Thursday, Seto said, with cooler weather expected to come over the weekend.

The Angeles National Forest elevated its fire danger level from “high” to “very high” Tuesday because of “above normal temperatures coupled with unusually dry vegetation,” according to a statement.

Seto warned of low clouds and morning fog, particularly in the coastal areas but said it should clear out by late morning Thursday. Though clouds are expected to return in the evening hours, he said they shouldn’t interfere with any firework shows.

“The nice thing is most of the fireworks go off about 400 feet,” he said. “With the clouds up around 1,000 feet, you might get a little better view with the reflection off the clouds.”

Click here for L.A. Now’s roundup of firework displays in L.A.

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kate.mather@latimes.com