The United States will soon celebrate its 250th anniversary, and millions of people across the country are preparing to gather for parades, concerts, and festivals this weekend. A severe heat wave has subsided across much of the eastern United States.
Officials in the region are warning that extreme heat could pose serious health risks over the Fourth of July weekend.
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Here’s what you need to know about how the weather will affect your celebrations.
What is America’s 250th anniversary?
It has been 250 years since the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Unlike a typical Independence Day, this year’s celebrations will be on a much larger scale, with years of preparation and planning.
Plans for the anniversary have also sparked controversy, as it comes at a time when American politics is highly polarized.
Ten years ago, Congress tasked a bipartisan committee known as America 250 with organizing the celebration.
But last year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order creating his own Freedom 250 planning commission, which is responsible for many of the anniversary’s signature events, including the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
Originally, a variety of musicians were announced to perform at the fair, including country singer Martina McBride, soul group The Commodores, and pop duo Milli Vanilli. However, many participants declined to participate in late May or early June due to concerns about the expo’s relationship with Trump.
Last week, the president of the United States gave the fair’s opening speech on behalf of the performers, calling itself the “number one tourist attraction in the world.”
He also promised to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in Washington, D.C., with “the most spectacular Trump rally.”
What will celebrations look like across the country?
Among the thousands of small-scale celebrations held locally across the country, including historical reenactments, picnics, concerts, and fireworks displays, some of the most high-profile events include:
Washington, DC: Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to arrive in the city for the Great American State Fair, which is held along the National Mall, a 1.5-mile promenade that connects the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Highlights include a state pavilion, food, live music and a Ferris wheel. President Trump also promised “the biggest fireworks display in history.” Approximately 1 million people participated in the 1976 fireworks display celebrating the country’s 200th anniversary. Los Angeles: As part of America’s Block Party event, America 250 will host a benefit concert hosted by Queen Latifah, featuring performances by Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Smashing Pumpkins and more. Philadelphia: The city where the Declaration of Independence was signed is hosting one of the nation’s largest commemorations. That includes the burial of a 400-kilogram (900-pound) time capsule containing artifacts from across the country, scheduled to be opened 250 years from now on the next semi-quincentenary. NEW YORK: More than 40 large ships carrying some 20,000 sailors are expected to enter New York Harbor, with more than 200 aircraft in the skies. Boston: Celebrations include the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (a free concert followed by fireworks) and a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the balcony where it was first read to Bostonians in 1776.
How will the heat affect your celebration?
Some celebrations have already been suspended and organizers have been forced to adapt to the intense heat.
The Great American State Fair temporarily closed Friday as temperatures exceeded 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Washington, D.C.
However, the capital was not the only area affected by the heatwave.
In Philadelphia, for example, officials announced the Independence Salute Parade, which was originally scheduled to have a shortened route to reduce heat-related risks, had been canceled.
Lower Windsor Township, Pennsylvania, also rescheduled it for July 8, while officials canceled another parade in nearby Norristown, citing safety concerns.
The heat has also affected transportation. Amtrak announced multiple train cancellations in the Northeast region and warned that other trains could be delayed due to high temperatures that could affect rail infrastructure.
“Extreme heat could cause railways, bridges and overhead lines to expand,” the agency said in a statement Thursday. “Amtrak may impose heat restrictions as a precaution, requiring locomotive engineers to operate trains at lower speeds, which could result in delays.”
What does it actually look like outside?
Temperatures in cities like Philadelphia and Boston can be expected to reach around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), but the high humidity can make it feel quite hot.
This is because the humidity makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate, making your body cold. Weather agencies use heat indexes, also known as “feel-like temperatures,” to estimate the temperatures people actually experience.
Experts also warn that cities could become even hotter than predicted as concrete, asphalt and steel absorb heat.
“The numbers on your phone may not reflect the actual temperature profile when you’re out and about,” Natural Resources Defense Council climate scientist Vijay Limaye told The Associated Press.
What precautions are authorities taking?
In addition to rescheduling or canceling some Fourth of July events, cities across the eastern United States are rolling out a wide range of measures to help people cope with the heat.
In New York City, for example, more than 200 teams of government workers and volunteers are checking for homeless residents and directing them to hundreds of cooling centers, including public buildings, mobile cooling vans, and outdoor sites equipped with misting fans.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani urged people to stay indoors and avoid “extreme temperatures”. He also asked residents to set their air conditioners to 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid straining the power grid.
The city of Boston is offering residents free admission to several air-conditioned museums, and the city of Providence, Rhode Island, is extending the hours of its public pools and water parks.
How can people stay safe?
The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends drinking plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors and take hourly breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned area.
Health officials are also reminding the public to check on the elderly and other vulnerable people from time to time.
Experts also recommend limiting alcohol consumption during long outdoor events, as alcohol can worsen dehydration.
Signs of heatstroke include cramps, rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, hot, red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting, according to the NWS. If you experience any of these warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
