Extreme heat disrupted Fourth of July celebrations across the central and eastern United States, with local officials canceling or postponing parades, concerts, fairs, and fireworks displays because of safety concerns.
Reuters reported that in Washington, organizers said the Independence Day Parade would not go forward as planned after forecasters warned that heat index values could climb as high as 115 degrees. The Great American State Fair on the National Mall also closed temporarily Friday afternoon as temperatures reached 101 degrees.
The heat wave affected more than 185 million people under heat alerts, covering more than half of the U.S. population. Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence Parade after temperatures tied a record high of 103 degrees. Other changes were announced in New Jersey, upstate New York, and Boston, where entry to a riverside fireworks celebration was delayed by several hours.
The heat also strained power systems as air-conditioning use surged. Officials urged residents and holiday crowds to drink water, stay in shaded areas, and watch for signs of heat illness.