politics
Washington DC Cancels July 4 Parade Over Extreme Heat
Organizers called off the annual Independence Day parade hours before its scheduled start after the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning. The fireworks display and presidential address at the Great American State Fair are still planned.
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m. Saturday after the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning projecting heat index values between 110 and 115 degrees. m. The National Park Service, which hosts the event, cited safety concerns for participants, spectators, and staff.
, the temperature reached 103 degrees and felt like 111 degrees, according to AccuWeather. As of noon, readings had already hit 99 degrees with a heat index of 115 degrees. The president’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall closed temporarily on Friday after 44 visitors received treatment for heat-related illnesses.
Eleven people were transported to hospitals, seven of whom had serious symptoms. Organizers delayed Saturday’s opening and advised guests to stay hydrated and use cooling areas. The parade has drawn hundreds of thousands of spectators in past years.
The evening fireworks display remains scheduled.
The president is still set to speak at the fair Saturday evening before the display. The city of Annapolis canceled its Independence Day Parade and a U.S. Naval Academy concert due to extreme wind and heat. Philadelphia also canceled its Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade after reaching a high of 104 degrees.
“This decision was made after extensive and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators and staff as the top priority." The parade cancellation marks the latest adjustment to public events tied to the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. High humidity had already strained transportation services and the regional power grid for several days prior.”
