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A severe heat wave forced the temporary closure of Washington's Great American State Fair and cancelled several July 4 events. The extreme temperatures also disrupted travel and power use, even as major celebrations continued with safety changes.
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Washington,UPDATED: Jul 4, 2026 00:42 IST
A severe heat wave across several states on the US East Coast led to the temporary closure of the Great American State Fair in Washington on Friday and forced the cancellation of some Independence Day events across the region.
In Washington, DC, the heat index, which reflects how hot it feels with humidity, was forecast to touch 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). Even as some events were called off or scaled back, the annual Capitol Fourth Concert was set to go ahead on Friday evening.
Early on Friday afternoon, Freedom 250 said the Great American State Fair on the Mall would temporarily shut until 5 pm because of the heat. “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.
Because of the extreme weather, Independence Day parades were cancelled in Leesburg, Virginia, and in Laurel and Takoma Park, Maryland. Across the wider region, from Boston to Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg Military Park, plans were being changed to deal with the high temperatures. Amtrak also cancelled some trains in the Northeast because excessive heat could affect the tracks.
Despite the conditions, the US Capitol Police said the Capitol Fourth Concert would still begin at 8 pm on Friday, although public gates would now open at 7 pm because of the heat. “To ensure a safe concert, all guests are strongly encouraged to bring an ample supply of water to stay hydrated,” Capitol Police said, adding that non-glass water bottles and coolers would be allowed.
The concert, on the West Lawn of the US Capitol, is due to feature Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson, Chicago, Kool & the Gang, the Symphony Orchestra, the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus. Capitol Police had already barred the public from attending the rehearsal on Thursday evening because of the intense heat. The concert is usually held on Independence Day, but it was shifted to July 3 because Freedom 250 fireworks and other programming were scheduled for the Mall on the Fourth.
President Donald Trump was to travel to South Dakota on Friday evening to deliver a speech and watch fireworks at Mount Rushmore. He is also due to deliver another speech at the Mall in Washington on Saturday evening ahead of what is being billed as a historically massive fireworks show.
In New York City, the heat index touched 106 degrees on Thursday, leading Mayor Zohran Mamdani to urge residents to conserve power “due to the increase in energy demand and unexpected load challenges”. His appeal to keep air-conditioners at 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius) and switch off lights and electronics not in use drew criticism from Republicans. “This is Communism at work,” Senator Rick Scott of Florida said. “The Socialist Democrats are coming for your AC,” Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said. Overall, the heat wave disrupted public events, travel and holiday plans across parts of the US East Coast, even as some major Independence Day programmes continued with safety changes.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 4, 2026 00:42 IST
