Washington DC's Fourth of July parade was abruptly canceled on the eve of the event as soaring temperatures paralyzed the nation's capital and the east coast, disrupting celebrations of America's semiquincentennial.
Parade canceled due to extreme heat warning
The National Park Service-hosted parade was scheduled for 10:30am on Saturday, but organizers called it off after the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning. Temperatures were forecast to reach 102F (39C), with heat index values between 110 and 115F (43-46C).
Organizers made the decision after consulting with the National Park Service, Washington DC's municipal government, and the Trump administration, which had promoted numerous events for the 250th anniversary.
Heat impacts other celebrations
The president's Great American State Fair on the National Mall also suffered. On Friday, 44 visitors were treated for heat-related illnesses, and NBC affiliate reported 11 hospitalizations, seven serious. The fair closed temporarily and delayed Saturday's opening.
Freedom 250, the fair's organizer, urged attendees to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, apply sunscreen, take breaks in the shade, and look out for each other.
Trump is still scheduled to speak at the fair on Saturday evening, following military flyovers and a record-breaking fireworks show.
Trump's Mount Rushmore speech
On Friday, Trump spoke at Mount Rushmore, targeting the "communist menace" in the US.
The extreme heat has stressed electricity grids and disrupted transport for days. The parade cancellation is the latest setback from the blistering temperatures and high humidity.
