A scorching heatwave that has many Americans grappling with triple-digit temps has left some July 4 event planners sweating.
More than 120 million people were under extreme heat warnings across the central and eastern U.S. on Friday, July 3, while another 62 million people were under heat advisories into the Southeast, USA TODAY reported. As a result, officials across states have been faced with difficult decisions to modify or cancel Independence Day weekend festivities altogether. Add the fact that many had extras planned in honor of America 250, and you’re looking at potentially hundreds of postponed parades and backed-up block parties.
Many cancellations have already hit northeastern cities, like Philadelphia’s America 250 parade, which was canceled when floats were already lined up and ready to go, reported the Delaware News Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. Performers who were prepped for the parade made the best of it by putting their shows on in Independence Square anyway.
Meanwhile, the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, temporarily closed around 1 p.m. due to temps breaking 100, with plans to reopen at 5 p.m.
USA TODAY used local announcements and reports to compile a list of canceled or modified America 250 and July 4 events. This list is far from exhaustive – big cities to tiny towns all over the U.S. are canceling, postponing or modifying activities – so be sure to check your local news and official event websites before heading out to events in your area.
And, even more importantly, make sure you know the signs and symptoms of dangerous heat-induced conditions like heatstroke. Check out USA TODAY’s heat health guide for safety tips.
Fireworks canceled in the following locations:
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY
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