Washington, DC’s landmark Fourth of July parade was canceled Saturday as dangerously high temperatures gripped the capital.
The long-running America’s Independence Day Parade was called off late Friday after organizers responded to extreme heat warnings, according to a statement from Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office.
The annual celebration, which typically attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators, had been set to begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday — just as temperatures were forecast to climb to a sweltering 102 degrees.
Factoring in humidity, the heat index was expected to make conditions feel even more dangerous, ranging from 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
“This decision was made after extensive and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators and staff as the top priority,” Bowser wrote.
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The sudden cancellation came just days after the mayor issued an extreme weather alert, warning residents and visitors to prepare for a prolonged heat wave from July 1 through July 5.
In Washington, DC, Saturday’s heat warning is set to remain in place until 9 p.m., when conditions are expected to ease, according to The Weather Channel.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at the Salute to America event on the National Mall at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, marking the nation’s 250th Independence Day.
