A dangerous heat wave disrupted Fourth of July celebrations across the central and eastern United States, forcing officials to cancel or postpone parades, concerts and fireworks because of extreme temperatures.
In Washington, DC, the National Mall’s Great American State Fair temporarily closed after temperatures reached 101°F, while the Independence Day Parade was canceled as the heat index was forecast to hit 115°F.
Officials also delayed public entry for A Capitol Fourth concert and the National Mall fireworks celebration to reduce visitors’ exposure to the heat.
Across the West, authorities banned fireworks in many counties, warning that dry vegetation and strong winds could turn a single spark into a fast-moving wildfire. Mandatory evacuation orders remained in parts of Utah and Colorado, where firefighters continued battling large blazes.
Philadelphia called off its Salute to Independence Parade after temperatures reached 103°F, matching the city’s record set in 1901. Elsewhere, several cities delayed or canceled holiday events as officials warned of potentially dangerous heat-related illnesses.
More than 185 million people, over half the US population, were under extreme weather alerts.
The heat dome driving the scorching weather also strained power grids, prompting conservation requests across several states. Around 17,000 Con Edison customers in New York lost electricity.
The National Weather Service urged residents and visitors to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Forecasters expect hot weather to continue through Saturday, keeping health officials on alert during the holiday weekend.