FANTASTIC FIRECRACKER FORECAST

Meteorologists say the firecracker forecast is fantastic with high temperatures in the 80s and low humidity, a change from hot humid weather dogging Southeast Missouri earlier this week.

"We're going to improve the weather for you," said Joe Pedigo with the National Weather Service.

A weak weather system in Central Illinois and Central Missouri today will drop to Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois by Thursday making the weather clear and crisp with unseasonably low humidity, Pedigo said.

High temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 80s with a northeast breeze of about 5 mph.

"It should be fantastic," said Pedigo. "You may not even have to worry about perspiration. It's about as perfect as you can get for the Fourth of July."

Friday's weather should be similar. By Saturday and Sunday, a chance of storms pops into the forecast but temperatures should stay in the high 80s or low 90s.

The forecast is a change from high temperatures and humidity experienced Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The high on Sunday was 97, on Monday 98 and Tuesday 95.

FOUTH OF JULY EVENTS

Tonight

The Cape Girardeau Municipal Band will be giving a concert at the Capaha Park Band Shell at 8:00 p.m. Their theme is a salute to America and special recognition of veterans. Special guest performer will be Jonathan Stewart, and celebrity guest performer will be Herb Nance.

July 4

Independence Day events in the Jackson city park include a morning 5K run and walk, mud volleyball, a car show, a craft fair, pie and watermelon-eating contests, and concession stands throughout the day. Evening entertainment will be provided by the Jackson Municipal Band and will be followed by a Jackson Jaycees fireworks display.

The Compton Heights Concert Band of St. Louis will be performing at the A.C. Brase Arena Park Grandstand at 7 p.m. A fireworks display, sponsored by the Joint Veterans Council, will follow the concert.

The Family Fourth Fest will take place in Park Hills at the Sports Complex.

Firecracker Fourth will take place in the Fredericktown City Park. Activities include games, food, live music and a fireworks display.

A fishing derby and fireworks display will be held in the Sikeston Recreation Complex.

The Kaskaskia Bell Shrine Independence Day Patriotic Program will take place at the Bell Shrine State Historic Site from noon to 2:30 p.m. Speakers, French Militia, Chester Municipal Band and refreshments by parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church.

A Holiday Celebration will take place in Steeleville Ill. at the America Legion Park, Tues.-Wed. from 6 to 10 p.m. Parade on Thurs. at 10 a.m. Food, carnival, entertainment, crafts, car show, parade and fireworks.

There will be a fireworks display at Ste. Genevieve City Park.

The Cruisers Car Show will be held in Red Bud, Ill, along Illinois Rt. 3 South.

Fireworks will be displayed in Kennett, at the Delta Fairgrounds/Airport.

A July Fourth Picnic will be held in Oran, on Highway 77.

The Riverfront Festival will take place in New Madrid on the Mississippi River Levee.

A picnic and fireworks display will be held in Tamms, Illinois. Festivities begin in the morning and continue through the day. Fireworks begin at 10:00.