Washington DC has called off its National Independence Day Parade for America’s 250th anniversary as a dangerous heat dome builds across the United States.
Organizers announced the cancellation Friday night on Facebook, citing the “extreme heat” gripping the nation’s capital.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme heat warning for parts of Washington DC and nearby areas, in effect from 10am Friday until 9pm Saturday.
Forecasters said the heat index could reach “dangerously hot” levels, ranging from 110 to 115 F.
The city had already recorded a high of 112 F on Friday, setting a new record, according to NBC4.
The National Independence Day Parade had been scheduled for 10.30am Saturday and was expected to bring performers from across the country to march along Independence Avenue.
Parade officials said the event was canceled following “extensive consultation” with the DC government, the National Park Service and Freedom 250.
They said the decision came after “careful consideration” and that the safety of participants, spectators and staff remained the top priority.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for parts of Washington DC from 10am Friday through 9pm Saturday
Organizers for the National Independence Day Parade on America’s 250th anniversary said the event would be canceled due to the ‘extreme heat’ engulfing the DC area
The National Independence Day Parade, which is held annually, was scheduled for 10.30am Saturday before the abrupt cancellation on Friday night
The National Independence Day Parade is celebrated annually as part of Fourth of July celebrations in DC.
It was set to be live streamed on Facebook and C–SPAN before the sudden cancelation credited to the blistering hot weather.
It is not the only event in DC that has been impacted around the holiday weekend.
On Friday, the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, which is set to run until July 10, was temporarily closed until 5pm.
The DC Fire and EMS Department treated multiple people for ‘heat–related illnesses’ at the fair on Friday, BBC News reported.
A spokesperson for the department told the outlet that the people had been treated due to the ‘record–breaking temperatures.’
The DC fire department added that they were expecting a ‘very busy weekend’ for the Fourth of July, though that was not necessarily atypical compared to other years.
‘We know that there are going to be heat–related illnesses on and off the Mall, and we encourage our residents and visitors to take precautions if you’re going to be out in the heat,’ the department told the Washington Post.
The Great American State Fair on the National Mall temporarily closed on Friday until 5pm due to the heat
Washington DC hit a record high temperature of 112 F on Friday, which could be even higher over the holiday weekend
The DC Fire and EMS Department said it had treated multiple people for ‘heat–related illnesses’ at the fair
President Donald Trump is among those to have noted the sweltering temperatures expected Saturday, teasing an extensive address despite that.
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‘On July 4th, it’s going to be approximately 107 degrees out, and I’m going to go, and I’m going to make a really long speech,’ he said on Wednesday.
‘Just to show that I can do anything,’ Trump added. ‘It’s gonna be 107.’
Trump is scheduled to speak at 9.45pm Saturday at the Salute to America event, according to the Freedom 250 website.
The President’s address will be followed by what is being touted as the world’s largest fireworks display. That is currently scheduled for 10.30pm.
More than 850,000 fireworks will be launched from ten sites across DC, according to Politico.
Freedom 250, which is organizing the event, has urged guests to utilize the free hydration stations on site and drink plenty of water.
Parade organizers said the event had been canceled after ‘extensive consultation’ with the DC government, the National Park Service and Freedom 250 (Photo of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser)
Trump is set to speak at 9.45pm on Saturday at the Salute to America event, followed by a massive fireworks display
Event organizers have said that air-conditioned cooling buses and cooling tents will be available, while urging guests to remain hydrated throughout the day
Air–conditioned cooling buses and cooling tents will also be available during the day, the organization said Friday on X.
Guests have been asked to arrive at the Washington Monument no more than one hour before 5pm in order to minimize prolonged exposure to the suffocating heat.
In total, more than 185 million Americans were under heat alerts due to the triple-digit temperatures on Friday, according to CBS News.
This Fourth of July could be the hottest one on record for millions, prompting safety concerns, as well as other cancelations.
In Philadelphia, the city’s Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade was scrapped because of the heat, according to FOX 29.
More than 50 marching bands and about two dozen floats were meant to participate before the cancelation.
Friday’s highs in Philadelphia topped 100 degrees, with a feel like temperature around 112.
About 185 million Americans were under heat alerts on Friday because of the scorching temperatures
Philadelphia, which saw temperatures topping 100 degrees on Friday, also canceled its Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade
Parts of New York City were asked to conserve energy because of the massive onslaught of heat
New York City hit its hottest temperature ever recorded at midnight on Friday, according to FOX Weather.
New York’s electric grid was under heavy strain because of the heat, with energy giant Con Edison asking some customers in Queens and Brooklyn to conserve energy.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the National Independence Day Parade for further comment.
