Organizers in the U.S. have canceled the Independence Day parade in Washington D.C. due to the sweltering heat expected to rise to nearly 40 degrees Celsius in the nation's capital.
Foreign news agencies report that the Independence Day parade organizers in Washington D.C. abruptly announced the event's cancellation late on the night before Saturday, 4 July 2026, due to the intense heat in the U.S. capital and along the East Coast, heavily impacting celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.
The event, hosted by the National Park Service (NPS), was originally scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, but organizers said they had to cancel the parade following a severe heat warning issued by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS).
The scorching heat, worsened by high humidity, has disrupted public transportation and strained the power grid for several days. Temperatures in Washington D.C. on Saturday are expected to peak at 39 degrees Celsius, with a heat index—the perceived temperature—rising to between 43 and 46 degrees Celsius.
Parade organizers said they decided to cancel the event "after thorough discussions" with the National Park Service, Washington D.C.'s local government, and the Trump administration, which has been driving numerous activities to celebrate the country's 250th birthday.
The president's "Great American State Fair," held at the National Mall, was also affected by the high temperatures, forcing a temporary halt on Friday after 44 attendees suffered heat-related illnesses.
NBC's Washington bureau reported that 11 people were hospitalized, seven of whom are in serious condition.
Freedom 250, the company organizing the fair, said the Saturday opening would be delayed. The event had already faced issues with low attendance and a broken Ferris wheel prior to this.
However, President Trump is expected to appear at the fair on Saturday evening to deliver what he described as a "very long" speech. His remarks will follow a military flight demonstration over the National Mall, and he will inaugurate the fireworks display, which he also called "the biggest in the world."
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Source:The Guardian