An intense heat wave sweeping across several US East Coast states disrupted Independence Day events on Friday, forcing the closure of the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, and leading to the cancellation of multiple Fourth of July celebrations across the region.
Forecasters said the heat index — the temperature as it feels when humidity is taken into account — was expected to soar to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 deg C) in the US capital.
By early Friday afternoon, organisers of Freedom 250 announced the temporary closure of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall until 5 pm, citing the dangerous weather conditions.
"The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority," the Trump Administration-supported group said in a statement on X.
Extreme temperatures also prompted officials to cancel Independence Day parades in Leesburg, Virginia, and in Laurel and Takoma Park, Maryland.
The weather, however, has not altered plans for the annual Capitol Fourth Concert. The US Capitol Police confirmed the event will proceed on Friday evening, although public entry has been adjusted in response to the heat.
While the concert is still scheduled to begin at 8 pm, officials said the gates will now open at 7 pm.
"To ensure a safe concert, all guests are strongly encouraged to bring an ample supply of water to stay hydrated," Capitol Police said in the statement. Non-glass water bottles and coolers are allowed, they said.
Held on the West Lawn of the US Capitol, the concert will feature Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson, Chicago, Kool & the Gang, the National Symphony Orchestra, the US Army Band "Pershing's Own", the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
The Capitol Police had already barred public attendance at Thursday evening's rehearsal because of the severe heat.
Although the Capitol Fourth Concert is traditionally held on Independence Day, this year's event was rescheduled to July 3 to accommodate the Freedom 250 fireworks display and other programming planned for the National Mall on July 4.
President Donald Trump is expected to travel to South Dakota on Friday evening to deliver a speech before attending a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore.
He is also scheduled to address a gathering at the National Mall in Washington on Saturday evening ahead of what organisers have described as a historically massive fireworks show.
Communities across the Northeast adjusted holiday plans as temperatures climbed. From Boston to Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg National Military Park, authorities modified events to cope with the heat, while Amtrak cancelled several Northeast train services because high temperatures could affect railway tracks.
New York City recorded a heat index of 106 degrees on Thursday, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to appeal to residents to reduce electricity consumption "due to the increase in energy demand and unexpected load challenges".
The mayor's request that New Yorkers set air conditioners to 78 degrees F (25.5 deg C) and switch off unnecessary lights and electronics quickly became a political flashpoint, drawing criticism from Republican leaders.
"This is Communism at work," Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, said.
"The Socialist Democrats are coming for your AC," Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said.
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