Fourth of July parade canceled in US due to extreme heat
Photo: Washington's Independence Day parade canceled due to extreme heat (Getty Images)
A parade marking the 250th anniversary of US independence was expected to draw thousands of people to downtown Washington. However, it was canceled because of dangerous heat, according to Bloomberg.
The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 4, at 10:30 a.m. local time. However, the US National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for Washington.
According to forecasts, the heat index in the capital was expected to reach 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 43 to 46 degrees Celsius. The heat index reflects not only the air temperature but also humidity, which makes the heat feel even more intense.
Organizers said they canceled the event after carefully assessing the weather conditions. They emphasized that the safety of participants, spectators, and staff was their top priority.
"This decision was made after extensive and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators, and staff as the top priority," the statement said.
A dangerous heat wave has gripped much of the United States. According to the US Weather Prediction Center, more than 197 million people were under extreme heat warnings or heat advisories on Friday, stretching from Kansas to Maine.
Earlier, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright mocked Europe's response to the heat wave, arguing that cold weather claims more lives than heat.
Meanwhile, American tourists and social media users have repeatedly poked fun at the French over the lack of air conditioning in many homes.
In response, Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar pointed out that the United States is one of the world's largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and said the country bears significant responsibility for the effects of global warming.
