If you plan to head out of town this weekend, expect plenty of company.

The American Automobile Association estimates nearly 35 million Americans will venture 50 miles or more for the Independence Day holiday — up 17.1 percent from last year.

"The landscape for the U.S. economy is in a much different place than it was a year ago," said Glen MacDonell, director of AAA Travel Services.

Although "stay-cations" — popular with penny-pinchers last year — are on the decline, travelers still are watching their budgets. Ninety percent will travel by car, and median spending is down $50 to $644.

"There are going to be headaches on the highways, so map your route and allow plenty of time to get to your destination," said Cindy Brough, AAA spokeswoman.

Brough estimates that July 4 — the largest travel day of the summer — will see an additional 1.2 million drivers in Pennsylvania.

To help alleviate congestion, the state Department of Transportation has removed the single-lane bottleneck on Route 222 in the Ephrata area. The road work will resume July 6.

For those staying local, expect great weather for outdoor festivities and clear skies for fireworks.

"It looks like good news," said Accuweather meteorologist Eric Leister. "High pressure over the area means a dry forecast with plenty of sunshine.

"There'll be no clouds, so it'll be good for viewing fireworks."

VIDEO: AccuWeather Forecast

Thursday and Friday are going to be "perfect days to be outside," Leister said, with low humidity and unseasonably cool temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.

Saturday, temperatures will reach the mid-80s, but humidity should stay in check until Sunday.

"Sunday and Monday, the heat is going to start building in," Leister said. "Temperatures are looking at at least 90 degrees. It's going to be hot with plenty of sunshine."

Events will take place across the county to celebrate American independence.

Friday, merrymakers can enjoy a parade and concert in Lititz or a firemen's carnival in Marietta.

Saturday, a fireworks display will light up Ephrata, and Lititz will host a full day of events in Lititz Springs Park.

Lititz has hosted an Independence Day celebration since 1818, and this year's theme, "Born in the U.S.A.," highlights the music of Bruce Springsteen.

The weekend will wrap up Sunday with two more iconic local events: "Old Fashioned 4th of July" in Musser Park, and the 257th Army Band and canon brigade concert in Long's Park.

County officials and police urge everyone, whether staying put or joining the mass migration, to stay safe, especially on the road.

"Do not drive and text or drive and talk on the phone," Brough said. "Let a passenger be your designated texter and talker."

dmartin@lnpnews.com