Heatwave Brings Record Temperatures to U.S. East Coast Ahead of July 4

Millions of people across the U.S. East Coast are experiencing record temperatures as the Fourth of July holiday weekend begins. The heatwave is forecast to keep readings at or above 38C (100F) for several days in central and eastern areas. New York City reached 38C (100F) on Thursday, its highest temperature since 2012, and Philadelphia recorded 39C (103F), its highest since 2011.

Washington could see four consecutive days at 100F, a mark reached only twice before.

Trump is scheduled to speak outdoors at a July 4 celebration on Saturday. The president stated he plans to deliver a long speech outside despite the heat. Saturday could bring some relief in central areas, but eastern regions are expected to remain dangerously hot.

Severe thunderstorms are forecast for the northern plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes, with risks of hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes.

Canada are also under extreme heat.

Temperatures in Ontario are forecast to reach the mid-30s Celsius. Heat warnings cover much of Quebec, including Montreal and Quebec City. More than 51,000 Hydro-Québec customers remained without power on Friday morning after Thursday thunderstorms. At peak, more than 137,000 customers lost service, a spokesperson said, attributing outages mainly to strong winds and lightning.