PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Hurricane Erin is swirling, and before you know it, Labor Day and the fall break travel season will be here. If you’re planning a trip, there are some important things to know about travel insurance.

“It’s really important to buy it before the storm is named because typically insurance companies consider named storms to be known events, and therefore the coverage doesn’t apply to them,” said Jeff Rolander, the vice president of claims and customer experience at Faye, a travel insurance company. “If you buy early, you should be protected from that.”

Cancel for any reason policies are more comprehensive and more expensive, while typical travel insurance policies protect more limited circumstances, including mandatory evacuations.

“If a governor or a government official declares a mandatory evacuation, that can trigger both trip interruption coverage or trip cancelation coverage, depending on where you are in your trip. Another coverage that can apply is a complete cessation of services,” explained Rolander. “If the airport that you’re heading to has been closed because of a natural disaster like a hurricane, that can be a covered reason for those benefits as well.”

According to Rolander, a good travel insurance policy will also cover tips that have to be canceled because the area you were planning to travel to was previously damaged by a hurricane. Before you buy a policy, read the fine print.

For a typical base coverage plan, you can expect to pay three to four percent of the trip cost, while more comprehensive plans are eight to ten percent or more of the trip cost. Your credit card may also offer some travel protections.

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AAA’s data showed that hotel rates were 11% lower and car rental costs were 3% cheaper compared to the previous year.

SAN DIEGO — As people squeeze in their final trips before the end of summer, a report from AAA shows that flights, hotels and car rentals are cheaper for domestic travelers this Labor Day weekend compared to the previous year.

Compared to last year, domestic round-trip flights were 6% cheaper, with an average of $720 per ticket, with most travelers looking to fly into Orlando, New York, Denver and Atlanta. AAA’s data showed that hotel rates were 11% lower and car rental costs were 3% cheaper compared to the previous year.

Travelers hitting the road are in for a treat as summer gas prices have remained low, matching summer averages in 2021. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.33 on Labor Day. Barring a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refiners, the company said gas prices should remain below compared to last year.

Traveling Tips: best and worst times to hit the road

According to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, the best times to travel over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime. Travel times get even better for travelers hitting the road earlier on Saturday and traffic congestion will worsen later in the day. Meanwhile, the worst times for travel by car are usually in the afternoon hours and early evenings, with Saturday expected to be extra busy.

For those looking to travel by car, AAA projection shows the best times to hit the road are:

Thursday, Aug. 28: Before 1 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 29: Before 12 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 30: 6-10 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 31: Before 11 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 1: Before 12 p.m.

The worst times to be on the road are:

Thursday, Aug. 28: 1-8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 29: 12-8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 30: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 31: 12-5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 1: 1-4 p.m.

Traveling Tips: for travelers traveling by air

For a smooth process, the San Diego International Airport offers travel tips to passengers.

Arrive two hours before departure: The San Diego International Airport suggests travelers arrive two hours before their flight departures due to potentially longer waiting lines and times from increased security measures.

Those looking to park at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Parking Plazas should make reservations in advance. There are more than 8,000 spaces in these two plazas. To make a reservation, click here. Curbside parking is not permitted at the airport, and unattended curbside vehicles will be ticketed and may be towed.

Have ID and tickets ready: Passengers with tickets and photo identification will be allowed to pass security checkpoints to the boarding area. Those embarking on ticketless travel must carry printed proof of their ticket purchases. This could include a printed itinerary. Alternatively, they can check in at the ticket counter.

For security-related travel tips, including check-in updates, lists of banned and permitted items and other important information, people can tune into 1690 AM on their radio or check the San Diego International Airport’s website for the latest information

Next steps if your flight is delayed or canceled

According to the Department of Transportation, airlines are required to provide passengers with information about a change in the status of their flight promptly.

If the flight is scheduled to depart within seven days, airlines are required to provide status updates 30 minutes or earlier after the airline is notified about the status change. At a minimum, the flight status information must be available on the airline’s website and by the airline’s telephone reservation system.

Travelers can check the San Diego International Airport’s Flight Status page to check the status of their flights in real time. Alternatively, people can also use FlightAware to track any delays or cancellations.

The DoT has a dashboard showing what services each airlines provide to reduce inconveniences for travelers when the circumstances causing the cancellation or delay are within the airline’s control. A green check mark on the dashboard means that the airline has committed to providing that service or amenity to its customers. A red “x” means the airline has not made that commitment, but may provide these services or amenities for some cases, based on their discretion.

Check the DoT’s website for more information.

The FOX Forecast Center is eyeing a complicated weather pattern heading into September, with competing signals emerging as to what to expect during the first month of meteorological fall.

While NOAA’s latest monthly outlook calls for a likelihood of warmer-than-average temperatures across most of the country, several of the most-used computer models suggest temperatures may not be as warm as expected.

Guidance from global models such as the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) continues to point toward significant troughing across the eastern half of the United States – a pattern that has led to record lows and one of the coolest ends to summer since the 1980s.

Early September temperature outlook

Here’s Where Fall Foliage Will Peak First In 2025

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NOAA has highlighted the Rockies, Southwest and New England as regions potentially seeing some of the greatest warm anomalies, while no one across the Lower 48 is expected to see below-average monthly temperatures.

On the precipitation front, the agency identified communities across the Southeast, Florida and the mid-Atlantic as being at an increased likelihood for precipitation – likely a result of stalled frontal boundaries and increased tropical activity.

There is also some support for increased rain chances across the Pacific Northwest as the region transitions out of its typical dry season and into the wet season.

According to NOAA’s outlook, most of the country could be in line to see precipitation accumulations that are either at or below average, which could have a significant impact on the vibrancy of fall foliage.

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Leaves begin changing color when trees receive less daylight, but factors such as cloud cover and drought play a role in how vibrant displays become.

The absence of chlorophyll allows yellows, oranges and reds to emerge, creating the peak color many regions see in October.

How A Goes Satellite Will Lead To A New Generation Of Leaf Peeping

Average Peak Fall Foliage

Climatologically, August’s warmth typically lingers into September before larger-scale cooldowns take hold later in the month, but since the last month of meteorological summer wasn’t on the warm side across much of the eastern half of the nation, climate patterns are a bit out of sync.

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If NOAA’s outlooks are accurate, then what the country is experiencing now is commonly known as “fake fall,” with a return of summer-like weather toward the middle and end of the ninth month of the year.

Again, the warm signal in NOAA’s outlook appears to be more robust than some model depictions.

Months such as September during the fall, December in the winter and March during the spring tend to be some of the more difficult months to issue extended forecasts for because of the changing nature of the globe out of and into seasons.

NOAA’s August forecast proved accurate for much of the Southwest and New England but underestimated the extent of cooler-than-normal weather east of the Mississippi River.

Original article source: September weather outlook pits warm forecasts against cool signals

Arizona Republic

Labor Day is always observed on the first Monday in September and is a celebration of the hard-won achievements of America’s labor movement and a recognition of what workers have contributed to the nation’s prosperity.

It’s also often considered the unofficial end of the summer season — even if Phoenix-area temperatures beg to differ. This year, Labor Day falls on Sept. 1, 2025.

Many people will use the extra day off to get out of the Valley, but there’s also a lot of fun to be had over the long weekend in metro Phoenix, and it’s a prime weekend for shopping sales.

Here is what to expect throughout Arizona on Labor Day weekend, including traffic issues, event coverage and weather updates.

Labor Day forecast to be hot and dry in Phoenix area

Hotter-than-normal temperatures were expected to linger through the rest of the Labor Day weekend.

On Labor Day, Sept. 1, the high in Phoenix was forecast to reach 108 degrees, and the low was expected to drop to 88 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

“With high pressure overhead, and drier-than-usual air for this time of year in place, the remainder of the Labor Weekend looks to be dry and relatively warm for this time of year,” according to Ryan Worley, a weather service meteorologist.

There was a slight chance of storms for Labor Day. A system in the east posed a 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m., increasing to 30% after 11 p.m., according to the weather service.

But Worley said expectations for rain should be tempered.

“Any lower desert activity would likely be short-lived and very hit or miss,” he said.

— Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Blowing dust reported in southeastern Arizona

A storm system in southeastern Arizona was blowing up dust by Interstate 10 in the area of San Simon, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes east of Tucson, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A dust storm warning was issued for the area until 3:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service of Tucson.

Isolated thunderstorms were expected mainly south and east of Tucson, but could move toward the city, according to the weather service.

A 30% chance of thunderstorms would linger in southern Arizona for Sept. 1, according to the weather service.

— Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Arizona’s dove hunting season begins Sept. 1

A change has been made to dove hunting regulations just in time for early dove hunting season, which begins Sept. 1, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Hunters may now harvest any combination of mourning and white doves, provided the total does not exceed the daily limit of 15 or the possession limit of 45.

This update replaces the previous restriction, which capped the number of white winged doves at 10, the department said.

“Dove hunting seasons are regulated and maintain doves as a sustainable wildlife resource. Dove hunters are a valuable conservation tool,” the department said on its website.

Early dove hunting season runs from Sept. 1 through Sept. 15. Late season runs from Nov. 21 through Jan. 4, 2026.

Except for kids under 10, dove hunters need to have a license:

Hunters 18 and older need a valid Arizona Hunting License (or combination hunt and fish license) and a migratory bird stamp.

Hunters ages 10 through 17 need the youth combination hunt and fish license (the migratory bird stamp is included with this license).

Kids under 10 can hunt without a license if accompanied by a licensed adult (two unlicensed children allowed per adult).

More information on Arizona dove hunting regulations is available online from Game and Fish.

— Wren Smetana

Police: Beeline Highway closed Saturday because of shooting in SUV

Payson police arrested Donald Nash, 22, in connection with the Aug. 30 shooting death of Keonna Honanie, 20, which shut down part of the Beeline Highway for over three hours.

Nash shot Honanie in the head during an argument in the back seat of a Honda Pilot, which also carried three others, including a 1-year-old child, police said. Both Nash a Honanie were from Phoenix, police said.

The vehicle pulled into a restaurant parking lot at about 10 a.m., where officers found Honanie and transported her to the hospital. She was later pronounced dead, according to police.

Nash was booked on charges of second-degree murder, felony endangerment and resisting arrest, police said.

Payson police asked anyone who may have seen the Honda Pilot on the road to contact them at (928) 474-5177.

— Wren Smetana

Protests planned across Arizona for Labor Day

More than a thousand “Workers Over Billionaires” events were planned nationwide, including several in metro Phoenix, to protest Donald Trump and the billionaires who support him.

The events were designed to build on the momentum gathered from other large-scale protests earlier this summer, like “No Kings Day” in June and “Good Trouble Lives On” in July.

From the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix to Tempe, Chandler and Queen Creek, more than a dozen “Workers over Billionaires” events are planned statewide, organizers say. There are even events planned in Sierra Vista, Patagonia, Payson, Kingman and Flagstaff.

In Scottsdale, organizers Fuerte Arts Movement and Poder Latinx planned a “die-in” complete with tombstones and coffins “to dramatize how billionaires and politicians are killing our communities through corporate greed, school privatization, and attacks on working people,” according to the event description.

— Wren Smetana

2 hikers rescued in separate incidents on South Mountain, Camelback Mountain

The Phoenix Fire Department carried out two nearly simultaneous mountain rescues on Aug. 30.

About 9:30 a.m., technical crews responded to South Mountain after receiving reports of a hiker suffering from heat-related injuries, said Capt. DJ Lee of the Phoenix Fire Department.

Although crews provided cooling measures, the hiker was unable to make the descent alone and was taken to a hospital in stable condition, Lee said.

At nearly the same time, technical crews were called to Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain for another injured hiker, according to Lee.

Rescuers found the woman, who reported a knee injury but was still able to walk, Lee said. After evaluating her condition, crews determined she needed assistance to descend and took her to a hospital for further treatment.

No other injuries were reported, according to Lee.

— Wren Smetana

Popular Labor Day weekend getaways around Arizona

With Labor Day providing an extra day off, it’s the perfect time to trade the Valley heat for cooler escapes — whether it’s the pine-scented air of Flagstaff or the eclectic charm of Bisbee.

Step away from triple-digit temperatures and enjoy Arizona’s historic downtowns and breathtaking landscapes. Here are a few getaway ideas to help you beat the heat this weekend.

Flagstaff:

Coconino County Fair : Open from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. Doors open at 10 a.m. Admission is $10; $6 for ages 6-12.

: Open from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. Doors open at 10 a.m. Admission is $10; $6 for ages 6-12. The Arboretum at Flagstaff: This 200-acre botanical garden a few miles west of downtown Flagstaff showcases over 750 species of native and drought-tolerant plants from the Colorado Plateau. Admission is $12; $6 for ages 5-17.

Prescott:

Prescott Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show : Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. Admission is free.

: Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. Admission is free. Whiskey Row: Once notorious for gamblers and cowboys, today Whiskey Row is lined with bars, shops and art galleries.

Bisbee:

— Tiffany Acosta and Wren Smetana

State Route 87 northbound reopens in Payson

The northbound lanes of State Route 87 have reopened after a law enforcement situation at milepost 252 near Frontier Street in Payson, the Arizona Department of Transportation said on X.

ADOT encouraged motorists to be patient as traffic clears.

ADOT offers several options for checking whether roads are clear:

The Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov allows travelers to map routes and see closures affecting travel time.

The AZ511 app for Apple and Android mobile devices is a smartphone-friendly version of the Arizona Traveler Information site.

Within Arizona, dialing 511 calls the Arizona Traveler Information line, which offers traffic reports. Just say the route you’re driving and the automated system will respond with traffic delay information. If 511 doesn’t work from a cellphone, dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623). If you’re outside the U.S., dial 1-520-200-0105.

ADOT provides updates on highway conditions via its X feed @ArizonaDOT.

— Wren Smetana

Warm, calm weather expected for Labor Day weekend

Hot and dry weather is expected to continue across the Phoenix area as Labor Day weekend begins on Aug. 30, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasts call for partly cloudy skies, with daytime highs reaching 105 degrees and overnight lows at about 84, according to NWS.

High temperatures would create a moderate heat risk throughout the holiday weekend, according to Katherine Berislavich, NWS meteorologist.

“If you have outdoor plans this weekend make sure to stay cool and hydrated. Considering altering your plans to limit your time outdoors during the heat of the day, especially those sensitive to the heat,” Berislavich said.

For those traveling north out of the Valley, warmer conditions are expected, with highs reaching 79 degrees in Flagstaff, 92 in Payson, and 94 in Sedona. A slight 10% chance of rain is forecast in Flagstaff and Sedona on Aug. 31, with rain chances increasing on Labor Day.

— Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Puerto Peñasco: Save money, time on Labor Day beach trip

Arizonans looking for fun in the sun need not drive to Los Angeles or San Diego.

The sleepy Mexican fishing village-turned-seaside resort town of Puerto Peñasco, alternately known as Rocky Point, is a safe — also, closer and cheaper — destination for Labor Day weekend trippers seeking a leisurely visit to the beach.

Nestled between the Arizona-Sonora border and the Sea of Cortez, Puerto Peñasco is approximately 213 miles southwest of metro Phoenix and is open to U.S. citizens with either a passport book or card. Mexican car insurance is required for motorists traveling to Puerto Peñasco.

Swimming and snorkeling are at reach for visitors with waterfront hotels and rental units available for overnight stays.

— Jose R. Gonzalez

Fun activities for a local Labor Day weekend in Phoenix

Staying local this Labor Day weekend and looking for something fun to do?

From floating the Salt River or relaxing at a luxury hotel pool with a day pass to catching live shows from Lil Wayne, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, and more, Phoenix has plenty to keep you entertained.

Here’s everything to know about Salt River Tubing, including how to reserve your spot, since holiday weekends are popular. Details: 9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa. $20-$30 plus online booking fees. saltrivertubing.com.

The Arizona Office of Tourism recently launched a new America250 mobile passport in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Attractions on the pass include the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Tombstone (“the town too tough to die”), Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, and the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Check in at each location to earn rewards.

See a full list of events and entertainment: Staying home for Labor Day weekend? Here are the best events in metro Phoenix.

— Meredith G. White and Arlyssa D. Becenti

What is closed for Labor Day?

Most majorgrocery stores and restaurants will remain open on Labor Day, Sept. 1. Though banks, the post office and the stock market will be closed.

Here is how Labor Day might affect your plans:

Costco will be closed on Labor Day, according to their website.

All U.S. Postal Service facilities will be closed for retail transactions. No residential or business mail will be delivered.

Branches of Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, Citibank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Labor Day.

UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available. UPS store locations may be closed. Customers were encouraged to check local stores for hours of operation.

Most of FedEx’s pickup and delivery services will not be available on Labor Day. FedEx office hours will also be modified.

While most Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Labor Day, store hours can vary by location, and it is best to reach out to your local store, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, so hours vary by location.

Most Home Depot stores will be open on Labor Day, however hours may vary by location, so check with your local store for its specific hours.

Most CVS locations will be open on Labor Day; however, customers are encouraged to check Rite Aid’s website for holiday store hours.

— Reia Li, Gabe Hauari and Wren Smetana

Check out gas prices around the Phoenix metro for Labor Day weekend

Headed out of the house for Labor Day weekend? Here is what Arizona drivers can expect to pay at the pump this weekend.

According to GasBuddy, a website that provides real-time gas price information, drivers can expect cheaper gas prices all over the nation as motorists make fewer road trips and demand for gas begins to drop.

“Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and when it comes to gas prices, it’s been the cheapest summer to hit the road since the pandemic, a trend that will likely continue with the potential for the national average to fall below $3 per gallon this fall,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

Here’s a list of 10 gas stations around the Phoenix metro with the cheapest fuel, according to GasBuddy:

$3.04 – T&L Convenience Store, 411 N Arizona Blvd, in Coolidge

$3.09 – Love’s Travel Stop 820 W Pima St., in Gila Bend

$3.09 – Pilot Travel Center, 3006 S Butterfield Trail, in Gila Bend

$3.09 – Shell, 63715 E Saddlebrooke Blvd., in Catalina

$3.09 – Circle K, 5850 W Indian School Road, in Phoenix

$3.09 – Circle K, 1541 N Arizona Blvd., in Coolidge

$3.09 – Sam’s Club, 1221 N Gilbert Road, in Gilbert

$3.09 – Shell, 87 N Signal Peak Road, in Coolidge

$3.09 – Speedway, 780 N Arizona Blvd., in Coolidge

$3.09 – Circle K, 495 S Arizona Blvd., in Coolidge

— Wren Smetana

Lanes reopened on Loop 202 near 40th Street after early morning crash

Eastbound Loop 202 Red Mountain freeway near 40th Street was reopened after an early morning crash caused delays for motorists on Aug. 29, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The crash occurred at about 4 a.m. between two vehicles. Injuries were unknown at the time, according to DPS.

For real-time traffic updates, visit AZ 511, call 511, or download the AZ511 app.

— Wren Smetana

No major Phoenix-area road closures over Labor Day weekend

With so many drivers expected to hit the road over the long weekend, there were no full freeway or highway closures scheduled for construction or maintenance improvements, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

“Drivers should still ‘expect the unexpected,’ allow extra travel time and prepare for possible delays due to heavier traffic, disabled vehicles, crashes or events such as wildfires,” ADOT said in a news release.

Interstate 17 flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point will be open over the weekend, ADOT said.

If drivers do get stuck in traffic, it’s helpful to have an emergency prep kit ready to go, according to ADOT. Items could include blankets and/or towels; extra drinking water; a flashlight; and a fully charged cellphone and charger, ADOT said.

ADOT recommended getting enough rest before driving and checking on the vehicle’s tire pressure and oil level. Everyone in the vehicle should be buckled up as well, ADOT said.

“There’s no need for excessive speeding, tailgating or other unsafe driving behaviors, including distractions. Eyes up, phones down,” said ADOT.

The transportation department also reminded drivers to never get behind the wheel while impaired.

A complete listing of traffic restrictions for the weekend and other safe driving tips were posted online, ADOT said.

ADOT offers several options for checking whether roads are clear:

The Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov allows travelers to map routes and see closures affecting travel time.

The AZ511 app for Apple and Android mobile devices is a smartphone-friendly version of the Arizona Traveler Information site.

Within Arizona, dialing 511 calls the Arizona Traveler Information line, which offers traffic reports. Just say the route you’re driving and the automated system will respond with traffic delay information. If 511 doesn’t work from a cellphone, dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623). If you’re outside the U.S., dial 1-520-200-0105.

ADOT provides updates on highway conditions via its X feed @ArizonaDOT.

— Julie Mendes

Spending the Labor Day holiday outdoors? Be ‘bear safe’

State Game and Fish officials cautioned campers, hikers and other outdoor recreationists spending the holiday weekend in nature to be “bear aware.”

Bears are generally shy and tend to avoid humans; however, they have an excellent sense of smell. People visiting bear country were advised to remove or block access to trash, food or other items that might attract bears, such as pet food, according to an Arizona Game and Fish Department news release sent Aug. 28.

“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of people and begins to actively search out human food sources,” said Larry Phoenix, the Game and Fish Department’s regional supervisor in Flagstaff. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”

Campers in bear country should:

Keep food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in a tent.

Don’t burn leftover food or trash on the grill.

Set up a campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.

Game and Fish officials also produced a video about how to be “bear aware.” If you see a bear exhibiting aggressive behavior toward people or hanging out in areas where there is human activity, report it to AZGFD at 623-236-7201.

― Michelle Cruz

Sunny skies, high temperatures in metro Phoenix weekend forecast

Metro Phoenix residents can put away those umbrellas for a bit and expect a hot, dry holiday weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The “moisture tap” from the remnants of Tropical Storm Juliette will shut off heading into Aug. 29, and the metro will start drying out, the weather service in Phoenix reported. Mostly sunny skies with high temperatures in the low- to mid-100s are in the Phoenix area forecast for Aug. 29.

The weather service said drier conditions and mostly clear skies through the weekend are expected to boost temperatures, pushing daytime highs between 102 and 106 degrees on Aug. 30 and 104 to 109 degrees on Aug. 31. Lows will be in the low to mid-80s through Aug. 31.

The higher temperatures this weekend could lead to a moderate heat risk for some people, the weather service said in its forecast. Everyone is recommended to stay hydrated.

A chance of rain improves for Sept. 1-2, but there’s still some uncertainty, the weather service said. There’s a 10% chance of showers in the afternoon of Sept. 1, increasing to 30% by the evening before 11 p.m.

― Michelle Cruz

Flex lanes on Interstate 17 will be open for Labor Day weekend

Many Phoenix-area residents will try to beat the heat and head north for Labor Day weekend, cooling off in 70- and 80-degree temperatures before heading back to triple digits.

That typically means driving on Interstate 17, which has been under construction for three years. But as the project wraps up, drivers this weekend can expect immediate traffic relief due to a new type of lane: the flex lane.

Along with the relief that the flex lanes will provide, there will be no closures or lane restrictions on I-17 throughout the weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

— Lauren De Young

When did Labor Day become federally recognized?

In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass a law recognizing a Labor Day holiday, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

By 1894, the year Labor Day became a national holiday, 32 states had adopted the holiday.

In May that year, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives, according to History.com. A month later, the government dispatched troops to Chicago to break up a boycott of the Pullman railway cars initiated by labor activist Eugene V. Debs, unleashing a wave of fatal riots.

Congress quickly passed an act making Labor Day a federal holiday. By June 28, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

— USA TODAY Network

Americans heading on vacation this Labor Day weekend may have to face sizzling heat and drenching downpours across much of the U.S.

Thunderstorms roaring across the West and South could impact holiday travel as millions take to the roads and skies for their last summer hurrah.

Wet weather is forecast to hit areas extending from the Rockies through the Plains states. There’s also a possibility of flooding in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.

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Saturday is expected to be the busiest travel day of the weekend, according to AAA.

Here’s what to know before heading out the door…

Tropical activity in the Atlantic may be quiet, but storms are still expected across the country this Labor Day weekend. The holiday will also see some summer-like weather (Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

The Rockies and Plains

A map shows AccuWeather’s forecast heading into Labor Day weekend. The Rockies will see storms (A map of the weekend weather forecast across the U.S.)

In the Rockies specifically, storms are expected to hit in the afternoon and evenings. That may provide some relief for firefighting efforts in the region. Colorado just saw its fourth-largest fire in the state’s history.

“No one location looks to be a wash-out for the holiday weekend. However, those with outdoor plans should continue to check for more updates as the weekend draws near,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys said in a statement.

The West

Fire-riddled California remains rain-free this weekend. Temperatures are also expected to rise (AP)

To the West, rain-free conditions are projected on Saturday and through Labor Day, with the exception of a few showers in Washington state.

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However, summertime heat will cook fire-stricken California, the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and the Mountain West. Desert locations may see low triple-digit temperatures, including Las Vegas.

“High temperatures are forecast near or just above the climatological norm for late August and will be mainly dry,” said Roys.

The East

To the East, the weather is expected to be a lot more temperate and below normal across much of the Northeast and Great Lakes.

In the Ohio Valley, high temperatures are forecast to reach the 80s, but much of the region will see highs in the 70s.

At night, areas away from the Great Lakes could see a massive temperature drop, with lows in the 40s and 50s.

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While New England and New York may have some showers on Friday and Saturday, the holiday itself is expected to be pleasant.

“Labor Day itself could feature some great weather, even ending up as a top-10 weather day,” Roys said.

The South

Florida will see rain over the weekend, as well. But, people can still hit the beach! (AFP via Getty Images)

While Atlantic storm activity is looking to be fairly quiet over the next couple of weeks, it’s still shaping up to be a wet holiday weekend for the Southeast coast.

That includes Florida, where many are expected to spend the long weekend at the beach. But, don’t fret!

“Florida’s soggy stretch with afternoon thunderstorms might limit beach time for some, but early risers can still hit the sand with plenty of time left in the day,” Fox Weather said.