Severe thunderstorms and a record-breaking heat wave disrupted celebrations marking the United States' 250th anniversary of independence, forcing delays, cancellations and safety measures across several states.
In Washington, DC, President Donald Trump's keynote address was delayed by nearly two hours as authorities temporarily evacuated crowds due to approaching storms.
Trump addresses delayed independence day celebration
President Donald Trump addressed thousands of people in Washington after a thunderstorm delayed the event by almost two hours.
Calling the anniversary "one of the most joyous and glorious" moments in American history, Trump paid tribute to US military veterans, including several who served during World War II and one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat during the Vietnam War.
The president also used the occasion to promote the SAVE America Act, an elections bill that has faced resistance, including from some Republican lawmakers.
"We will always be on top," Trump told the crowd. "We will never let our country fall. We will always be the best."
Storms and heat disrupt celebrations nationwide
Severe weather affected Independence Day events in several parts of the country.
In Washington, DC, authorities ordered a temporary evacuation as thunderstorms approached, prompting visitors to shelter in nearby museums and government buildings. The crowd later returned to the National Mall after conditions improved.
At the same time, temperatures in the capital climbed to 102°F (39°C), while the National Weather Service warned that the heat index could reach as high as 115°F (46°C).
The combination of extreme heat and severe weather forced the cancellation of several parades and public events in the capital.
According to the National Weather Service, more than 185 million people—over half of the US population—were under heat alerts during the holiday weekend.
The dangerous heat wave, driven by a high-pressure "heat dome," spread from the Midwest into the eastern United States, bringing record-breaking temperatures and high humidity.
Forecasters warned the extreme conditions could become life-threatening and urged people attending outdoor celebrations to stay hydrated, seek shade and watch for signs of heat-related illness.
The prolonged heat also placed significant strain on electricity infrastructure.
PJM, the largest US power grid operator serving about 67 million people across the Mid-Atlantic, South and Washington, DC, asked customers participating in emergency conservation programmes to reduce electricity use because of generator outages, overloaded transmission lines and soaring demand for air conditioning.
In New York, utility company Con Edison reported that around 17,000 customers were without electricity on Friday and urged residents in New York City and Westchester County to conserve power.
Fireworks and parades affected across country
Several cities adjusted or cancelled celebrations due to weather concerns.
In New York City, officials moved the annual fireworks display forward by 30 minutes because of the threat of storms. The rain ultimately stayed away, allowing thousands of spectators to enjoy the show.
Elsewhere:
- Hartford, Connecticut, cancelled its celebrations.
- Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, also called off events.
- Boston briefly asked spectators to seek shelter before fireworks resumed later.
- Pittsburgh adjusted the timing of its fireworks display.
- Philadelphia cancelled its Salute to Independence Parade because of extreme heat.
- Haddon Township, New Jersey, cancelled its annual July 4 parade.
- Watertown, New York, called off its Independence Day concert and fireworks.
Visitors to the Washington celebrations waited for hours in high temperatures while passing through enhanced security checkpoints.
"I signed up for this," said Glen Solander, a 60-year-old software engineer visiting from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while waiting to enter the event.
Authorities also reported that members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front travelled to Washington during the celebrations.
Freedom 250 celebrations draw political attention
The anniversary celebrations centred around the Trump administration's "Freedom 250" initiative, which has largely replaced a nonpartisan commission established in 2016 to oversee preparations for the 250th anniversary.
Much of the National Mall was transformed into a "Great American State Fair" featuring displays from all 50 states, defence contractors and conservative organisations.
Freedom 250 said the fair was intended to showcase the people and innovations that make the United States "the greatest nation on Earth."
However, several Democratic-led states declined to participate, while a number of scheduled performers withdrew, citing concerns over the event's political nature.
The organisation has also sponsored faith-based rallies, sporting events and educational exhibits, some of which critics argue present an overly religious interpretation of American history while downplaying issues such as slavery and racial injustice.
