WASHINGTON, D.C. – Extreme heat is disrupting July Fourth events in our nation’s capital. Temperatures are set to soar above one hundred degrees on Saturday and storms could also affect Independence Day plans.
“It is super hot,” said Ingrid Hernandez, who is visiting DC with Xzavier and Santiago Hernandez. “It’s unbearable.”
On Friday the heat index in DC reached 105 degrees. The National Weather Service has put out an extreme heat warning, including on Independence Day this Saturday.
“I’m sweating a lot,” said Daniel Thompson, who is vising DC with Hannah Graves and Maryn Thompson. “Wearing black was not the move evidently.”
“My legs feel terrible walking,” said Xzavier Hernandez. “This heat is just melting me.”
The extreme weather has impacted July Fourth events. On Friday afternoon organizers for the “Great American State Fair” announced they’re temporarily closing it until Friday evening due to the heat. On Independence Day, the “Salute to America” celebration planned for the National Mall will now open their viewing zones at five p.m. on the Fourth to reduce prolonged exposure to heat. Other nearby cities in the DMV canceled July Fourth parades. People we spoke with are changing their Fourth of July plans due to the weather.
“We’re gonna be here for the Fourth hopefully to watch the fireworks,” said Maryn Thompson. “We’ve definitely adjusted where we’re watching just due to the weather and more restrictions around the Washington Monument.”
While many are still wanting to explore DC for this Independence Day weekend, people are looking for ways to beat the heat.
“We’re trying to go tour sighting and looking at places and trying to keep some shade but it’s difficult to find,” said Ingrid Hernandez.
“I had to double check with her because we’re about to go to the Botanic Gardens to make sure they’re mostly inside because we are mostly sweating and we’ve only been outside for five minutes,” said Graves.
“We’re trying to stay cool with this umbrella, this little fan thing and a lot of water,” said Xzavier Hernandez.
Graves is offering this tip:
“Drink water and wear sunscreen,” said Graves.
