Extreme Heat Cancels July 4 Events Across East Coast Cities

Record heat forced the cancellation of multiple Fourth of July events across the eastern United States on Friday. Organizers in Washington and Philadelphia cited safety concerns after several people required medical treatment for heat-related illnesses.

The Great American State Fair on the National Mall closed temporarily after multiple attendees were treated on site. m. local time once temperatures eased.

The parade organizer said the decision was made because conditions posed unacceptable risks to participants and spectators.

“As much as this decision pains everyone inside our organisation, we simply cannot host an event of this size and scale under these dangerous heat conditions." — Michael DelBene, CEO of Wawa Welcome America Washington officials also canceled an Independence Day morning event after reviewing participant and spectator safety. U.S. Capitol Police delayed public entry to an evening concert by four hours.”

The DC Fire and EMS Department treated at least 11 people who were transported by ambulance from the fair. A department spokesperson said crews expect additional heat-related calls throughout the weekend. New York City recorded its hottest day since 2012 on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees. The city's mayor warned residents that conditions remained extremely dangerous.

Temperatures in Philadelphia and Washington are forecast to reach 104 and 103 degrees on Saturday, with heat indices near 112 degrees. The heat wave is expected to persist through the weekend before shifting westward early next week. Thunderstorms are forecast for parts of the northern plains and Midwest, bringing the possibility of damaging winds and flash flooding.