A severe heatwave swept across large parts of the central and eastern United States on Friday, disrupting Fourth of July celebrations and forcing authorities to cancel or postpone parades, concerts and fireworks displays as millions remained under heat alerts.
The extreme weather affected one of the marquee events marking America’s 250th Independence anniversary, the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The fair, a key part of President Donald Trump’s nationwide celebrations, was temporarily shut down on Friday afternoon after temperatures climbed to 101°F (38°C).
Organisers said the event was expected to reopen later in the evening with additional safety measures, including cooling tents and misting stations, to protect visitors from the intense heat.
According to the National Weather Service, more than 185 million people, over half of the US population, were under heat alerts on Friday. Heat index values were forecast to reach as high as 115°F (46°C) in some areas.
Meteorologists said the scorching conditions were caused by a powerful high-pressure system, commonly known as a “heat dome,” which has trapped hot air over much of the country and driven temperatures to record levels.
Authorities warned that the prolonged heat could prove life-threatening and urged people attending outdoor Independence Day events to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
The extreme temperatures led to widespread cancellations across the eastern United States. In Philadelphia, officials called off the Salute to Independence Parade, one of the city’s flagship events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, after temperatures reached 103°F, matching a record set in 1901.
Several other communities also altered their celebrations. Haddon Township in New Jersey cancelled its annual Independence Day parade, while Watertown in New York scrapped its planned concert and fireworks display.
In Boston, organisers delayed public access to the city’s annual riverside fireworks celebration by four hours to reduce exposure during the hottest part of the day.
The heatwave comes as millions of Americans gather for the long holiday weekend, with officials continuing to monitor conditions and urging the public to prioritise safety during outdoor festivities.
