Heat Wave Disrupts Fourth of July Events Across the Eastern US

A dangerous heat wave swept across much of the central and eastern United States on Friday, July 4, forcing officials to cancel or postpone dozens of Fourth of July events. More than 185 million people were under heat alerts as the country celebrated its 250th birthday. Temperatures soared well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas, making outdoor gatherings very risky. The National Weather Service warned that heat indices — what the temperature feels like when humidity is added — could reach as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in some places.

Event cancellations were reported in at least seven states across the country. One of the biggest events called off was a major Independence Day parade in Philadelphia. Other events in Maryland's Takoma Park and Loudoun County, Virginia, were also canceled or changed to protect people from the heat. Officials across the region worked quickly to keep the public safe.

Even Washington, D.C., was not spared from the extreme temperatures. The Great American State Fair on the National Mall — a special celebration set up to mark the nation's 250th birthday — had to temporarily close on Friday afternoon. At the time, temperatures in the city had reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The fair was a centerpiece of President Donald Trump's plans to honor the country's big milestone.

Organizers said the fair was expected to reopen at 5 p.m., depending on the weather. They also planned to add cooling tents and misting stations to help visitors stay comfortable and safe. These kinds of changes showed how seriously officials were taking the dangers of the heat. Even with those steps in place, people were strongly urged to be careful.

The heat wave had started in the Midwest earlier in the week before spreading east. Forecasters and government officials warned that the extreme heat could prove deadly for some people. They urged anyone celebrating outdoors to drink plenty of water, stay in the shade, and watch for signs of heat illness. Heat illness can happen when a person's body gets too hot and is unable to cool itself down fast enough.