Gas prices in the U.S. are dipping to their lowest numbers since 2021 as a record 72.2 million Americans are preparing to hit the road for Fourth of July this weekend.

The nationwide average for a gallon of gas is currently $3.14, which is roughly 32 cents less than what it was this time last year. The financial relief is due to stabilization in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran conflict, but prices will only continue their downward trend so long as the stability lasts, and as long as there are no major storms hitting the U.S. this hurricane season.

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This is good news for Americans planning to travel for the Fourth of July weekend. With 72.2 million people projected to travel at least 50 miles or more between June 28 and July 6, this is an increase of 1.7 million people traveling from last year. 61.6 million people will be traveling by car and 5.84 million people by plane, according to a press release from AAA. 

Anticipating increased travel for the holiday, AAA released information on the best times to travel to avoid heavy traffic. The best time to hit the road appears to be before 12 p.m. for most days this week. 

States such as California, Washington and Hawaii have the highest gas prices in the country, paying more than $4.30 per gallon of gas. California’s elevated prices are largely due to higher taxes and fees to lower emissions as well as special fuel requirements. 

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While they’re paying the most, states such as Oklahoma, Mississippi and Texas have the lowest gas prices in the country, paying an average of $2.67 per gallon.

While many remain hopeful that gas prices will continue to decline, the U.S. may see some hurricanes in the next few months that would send gas prices soaring again. The U.S. is forecasted to have a 60% chance for an “above-normal season” this hurricane season, with as many as three to five major hurricanes expected, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.