Due to the extremely hot weather, many areas in the eastern and central United States have had to cancel celebrations for "Independence Day".
According to Reuters in the UK, a dangerous heat wave swept through large areas of central and eastern America on July 3rd local time, disrupting the arrangements for celebrating Independence Day. This led to the cancellation or postponement of dozens of parades, concerts, and fireworks displays by officials in Washington and other places.
The affected event included the “Great American State Exposition” held in Washington’s National Mall. This event was one of the major activities organized by the Trump administration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, aimed at showcasing the features of the 50 states across America. However, the exposition was briefly closed on the afternoon of the 3rd due to high temperatures reaching 101 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius). It reopened later according to local media reports.
According to reports, this round of extreme heat is caused by a high-pressure system that formed in the Midwestern United States earlier this week and has spread eastward. This weather system traps hot air in a specific area, resulting in prolonged high temperatures and an increase in humidity.
Due to this influence, many places across the United States have been forced to cancel or adjust the celebrations of ‘Independence Day’. Typically, Americans hold barbecues, parades, and fireworks celebrations during the Independence Day holiday, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
On July 3 local time, an American citizen was drinking water near the security fence surrounding the White House under extreme heat conditions. Visual China
Persistent high temperatures also put pressure on the power system. The largest electric grid operator in the United States, PJM, has requested users involved in the emergency energy conservation program to reduce their electricity consumption in order to cope with load impacts caused by generator failures, overloaded transmission lines, and a surge in air conditioning demands.
New York Public Utilities Company Con Edison reported that as of late afternoon on the 3rd, about 17,000 customers were affected by power outages. As electricity demand increases, the company is urging residents of New York City and Westchester County to conserve electricity.
In New York City, the high temperatures have even softened the asphalt on the streets of Manhattan, causing shoes to stick to the pavement. Despite the extreme heat warnings, people still gathered on the sidewalks, waiting for celebrities to arrive at Madison Square Garden. It is expected that American pop star Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kaelsi will be wed there.
A staff member guided the SUV carrying guests into the venue, waving with one hand and using a water bottle to cool down with the other hand, repeatedly wiping away sweat.
According to data from the United States National Weather Service, on the 3rd, more than 185 million people across the United States were under high-temperature warnings, with over half of the population affected. In some areas, the peak temperature may reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit (about 46 degrees Celsius), and many places may set new historical records for extreme heat.
American meteorological agencies and government departments warn that this heat wave could be deadly. They urge people to stay hydrated after prolonged outdoor activities, seek shade, and be aware of symptoms of heatstroke.
In addition, the local government in Philadelphia also canceled the "Tribute to Independence Parade," which was one of the important events celebrated during the city's 250th anniversary. This decision was made after temperatures reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit the day before, setting a new record for temperatures since 1901.
In other regions, related events have also been affected by the high temperatures. A small town in New Jersey, USA, canceled its annual Independence Day parade. The City of Waterton, Massachusetts, canceled its national anthem performance and fireworks display. In Boston, the time for the riverside fireworks display was postponed by 4 hours, from noon to 4 p.m.
