Published On 4/7/2026
A severe heat wave disrupted celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in many parts of the center and east of the country on Friday.
Officials were forced to cancel or postpone dozens of marches, concerts and fireworks displays, while the country celebrates its independence anniversary, which falls on July 4 annually.
Amid temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius, the “Great American Exposition” held on the National Mall in Washington, which is a major event in President Donald Trump’s efforts to celebrate the anniversary, was temporarily closed on Friday afternoon.
Organizers said it is expected to reopen at 5 p.m. weather permitting, with modifications such as cooling tents and water spraying stations.
In a related development, it was reported that events were canceled in at least seven states, including a large Independence Day parade in Philadelphia, in addition to events in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Loudoun County, Virginia.
Warnings and instructions
Record temperatures extended to the eastern United States from the Midwest earlier this week, as the National Weather Service issued heat wave warnings for more than 185 million people on Friday, with maximum temperature indices likely to reach 46 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country.
Meteorologists and government officials warned that the heat wave could be deadly, and they urged Americans celebrating the July 4 holiday outdoors to drink plenty of fluids, stay in the shade, and pay attention to signs of heat-related illnesses at public gatherings and events.
The intense heat wave put great pressure on electricity networks and disrupted preparations for the World Cup matches, as Friday’s schedule includes organizing three matches, including the match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami.
It is expected that the temperature at the start of the match will reach 38 degrees Celsius in a stadium not equipped with an air conditioning system, while France and Paraguay will meet on Saturday in Philadelphia, where the perceived temperature index may reach 40 degrees Celsius.
Be calm
With the perceived temperature index expected to reach more than 46 degrees Celsius, New York City – the largest city in the United States in terms of population – is preparing to record unprecedented temperature levels.
Due to the high humidity, the perceived temperature may reach 41 degrees Celsius in Boston, 44 in Philadelphia, and 45 in Washington.
New York Mayor Zahran Mamdani urged residents to “be calm and vigilant, and check on their neighbors.”
The city converted hundreds of public buildings into cooling centers, sent volunteers to check on the most vulnerable citizens, and extended the opening hours of swimming pools throughout the city.
Although many buildings in the United States are equipped with air conditioning, heat waves cause more deaths than hurricanes and floods.
This heat wave raises concern due to its long duration and intensity, as well as the fact that rising temperatures at night may threaten the most vulnerable groups and exhaust the energy infrastructure.
