The weather is set to provide the perfect backdrop for picnicking and outdoor activities for the Fourth of July weekend and Monday.

According to Bill Gartner, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, State College, Sunday will be the dryest day of the holiday weekend. Daytime temperatures should reach the low 80s under sunny skies, and the night will remain clear for viewing local fireworks displays with a low around 61.

The holiday weekend will continue into Monday with skies remaining partly sunny with a high in the mid-80s. Clouds return Monday night with temps around 65.

Despite the muggy heat that culminated in a series of storms and showers, no record temperatures were recorded during the period, according to Gartner. The chance for showers and thundershowers will linger into later today but skies will be party sunny and the temperature will remain in the mid-70s. There is still a 50% chance of precipitation and some storms could produce small hail. Lows will be around 59.

Despite storms, rainfall since the beginning of June was just a little less than normal at 3.46 inches, Gartner said. Rainfall totals for the year are about 3 inches below normal.

The heat returns Tuesday with highs expected be near 93.

The 26th annual “Set the Night to Music Fireworks Extravaganza” is slated for Sunday sponsored by Backyard Broadcasting, the City of Williamsport and UPMC. The day begins at 10 a.m. Sunday when the world’s largest flag will be hoisted between two cranes in the area of the Hampton Inn. Food and craft vendors will open at 3 p.m. when a series of bands are set to take the stage.

Bands include: The Uptown Music Collective, Mums the Word, Trip the Light, Last Rebels and Leo & KG with Family Tradition. Fireworks begin at 9:40 p.m.

The Market Street Bridge will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday during the fireworks.

The River Walk will be closed from 7:30 a.m. Sunday through 7:30 a.m. Monday from Commerce Park to Maynard Street on the city side of the river. There will also be restrictions on the South Williamsport side due to safety issues.