Best & worst times to hit the road this holiday weekend

AAA Carolinas forecasts that over 2 million North Carolinians will drive during the Fourth of July holiday, which runs from Saturday to Sunday.

>>LINK: Stay updated on live traffic conditions.

This year is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods on record.

The travel group said that 72.2 million people will be going on trips of at least 50 miles this week.

Domestically, there will be an estimated 1.7 million more people compared to last year.

AAA said that a majority will be by car — 61.6 million people, an increase of 2.2% compared to 2025.

To avoid delays, here are the best and worst times to hit the roads.

Thursday:

• Worst time to travel: 2-6 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before noon

Friday:

• Worst time to travel: 12-7 p.m.  
• Best travel time: Before noon

Saturday:

• Worst time to travel: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.                         
• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.

Sunday:

• Worst time to travel: Noon-6 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.

VIDEO: Wednesday’s forecast update

Wednesday's noon forecast with Meteorologist Keith Monday

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