A dangerous heat wave threw a wrench into Fourth of July festivities across much of the central and eastern United States on Friday, as officials scrambled to cancel or postpone dozens of parades, concerts, and fireworks shows while the nation celebrated its 250th anniversary.
Among the events disrupted was the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington — a key part of President Donald Trump’s plans to commemorate the country’s 250th birthday. The fair temporarily shut its doors Friday afternoon as temperatures climbed to 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Organizers said they planned to reopen at 5 p.m., weather permitting, with added safety measures including cooling tents and misting stations.
Record-setting temperatures had moved into the eastern part of the country from the Midwest earlier in the week. The National Weather Service reported that more than 185 million people were under heat alerts on Friday, with heat index values potentially climbing as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in many areas.
Forecasters and government officials warned that the extreme heat could turn deadly. They urged anyone spending time outdoors during the Fourth of July weekend to drink plenty of water, find shade when possible, and be alert to warning signs of heat-related illness.
Event cancellations were reported across at least seven states. Among the most notable was a major Independence Day parade in Philadelphia, along with events in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Loudoun County, Virginia.
