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СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASARecord-breaking heat across the East Coast and Midwest has forced officials to cancel or postpone dozens of Independence Day events, even as Washington presses ahead with a record-setting fireworks show.
A dangerous, record-breaking heat wave has forced officials across the eastern and central United States to cancel, postpone or relocate dozens of Fourth of July parades, fireworks displays and concerts, even as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of its independence.
More than 185 million people were under heat alerts as temperatures pushed past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in cities including New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., this week, according to the National Weather Service. Humidity has pushed heat index values as high as 115 degrees in some areas, prompting officials to prioritize public safety over holiday festivities.
The disruptions come as President Donald Trump's administration presses ahead with a large-scale celebration in Washington, including an attempt to stage the largest fireworks display in U.S. history, even as record heat raises separate concerns about air quality in cities hosting major pyrotechnic shows.
Washington, D.C.
The National Park Service canceled its Independence Day Parade, originally scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, citing safety concerns as heat index values were projected to reach as high as 115 degrees. The Great American State Fair on the National Mall, a centerpiece of the administration's 250th-anniversary programming, was temporarily closed Friday afternoon amid the heat before reopening later in the day. Gates for the "A Capitol Fourth" concert on the Capitol's West Lawn opened later than originally scheduled, and a public rehearsal for the concert was closed to attendees.
Philadelphia
Officials canceled the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, which had been set to feature 250 elements representing all 50 states, after its route was already shortened due to heat. Wawa Welcome America President Michael DelBene said the decision was painful but necessary given the scale of the event. The city also postponed its Red, White & Rosé Picnic and Independence Illumination Drone Show to later start times, and moved an indoor ceremony honoring Pope Leo with the Liberty Medal, who is expected to deliver remarks virtually from the Vatican instead of appearing in person.
Elsewhere in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Boston: Gates for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade opened four hours later than planned.
Haddon Township, New Jersey: The annual Independence Day parade was canceled.
Watertown, New York: The town's Independence Day concert and fireworks display were called off.
Norristown, Pennsylvania: A Saturday parade was canceled, though an afternoon party and evening fireworks are still scheduled.
Lower Windsor Township, Pennsylvania: An America 250 celebration was rescheduled to July 8.
Bethany Beach and Madison: Independence Day parades were canceled due to extreme heat.
Gettysburg National Military Park: Outdoor 250th-anniversary programming scheduled for July 1-3 was moved indoors.
Colorado
Officials in at least eight Colorado cities canceled fireworks displays, citing wildfire risk rather than heat directly, as dry conditions raised concerns that pyrotechnics could spark fires.
Why This Is Happening
The National Weather Service attributed the extreme temperatures to a high-pressure system known as a heat dome that pushed record-breaking heat from the Midwest into the eastern U.S. this week. Washington broke a 128-year-old heat record Thursday, and Philadelphia tied a record last set in 1901. Forecasters said dangerous heat would persist across the East Coast through the holiday weekend.
Some cities have taken alternate approaches rather than canceling outright: officials in several communities have set up hydration stations, cooling tents and misting areas at events that are proceeding as planned, while some cities have shifted toward drone light shows in place of traditional fireworks.