Extreme heat and storms disrupt US 250th Independence Day, force National Mall evacuation and postpone Trump speech

Heat wave forces parade cancellation

The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for the Mid-Atlantic region, with heat indices forecast between 43.3°C and 46.1°C. In Washington D.C., the temperature reached 38.9°C on Friday, the highest ever recorded for that date. Authorities canceled the National Independence Day Parade, which had been expected to draw 250,000 spectators and feature over 4,000 participants from all 50 states. Cooling centers were opened across affected cities, and the Great State Fair was suspended for several hours on Friday after 44 people required medical treatment for heat-related issues.

Thousands defy the heat

Despite the conditions, thousands of people gathered at the National Mall dressed in red, white and blue. Bob, 71, who traveled from Pennsylvania, said he was not worried.

We're in Washington DC, it's summer, this kind of heat was to be expected. I'm not at all concerned about the weather.

Brian, 65, from Florida, added that the heat was nothing compared to his home state. Michelle, 57, emphasized respect for the office regardless of the president.

Storm triggers evacuation and speech delay

By early evening, a severe thunderstorm with frequent lightning, strong winds and possible tornadoes approached the capital. Around 8 p.m. local time, the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency urged everyone on the National Mall to seek shelter in federal buildings or Smithsonian museums. The Secret Service closed security checkpoints, and the Freedom 250 organization announced the immediate evacuation.

The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority. Due to approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking everyone to leave the National Mall immediately.

President Trump's speech, originally scheduled for 10 p.m., was postponed. The fireworks display remained on schedule, billed as the largest in U.S. history.

Time capsule buried in Philadelphia

Separately, in Philadelphia, a 400-kilogram stainless steel time capsule was buried near Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago. Organized by America250, it contains objects from all 50 states and five territories, including Puerto Rico.

The idea is to open the time capsule when the nation turns 500 years old.

Items include a bald eagle feather from Wisconsin, a piece of fabric from the Wright brothers' plane from Ohio, a diamond from Arkansas, an Oklahoma City Thunder championship pin, and an orange iPhone. California submitted an AI chatbot's prediction for the state in 250 years. A leather football was rejected over durability concerns. The capsule follows a tradition: one buried in 1866 was opened in 1966, and a bicentennial capsule from 1966 awaits opening in 2066.

Wider weather impact

The heat wave affected much of the eastern U.S. In New Jersey, nearly 180,000 homes lost power due to thunderstorm damage to infrastructure. In New York, fans attending World Cup matches endured temperatures near 40°C. Philadelphia limited hours for a fan zone ahead of a Paraguay-France round-of-16 match. The extreme heat also hit Europe, with Germany and Poland recording all-time highs of 40.5°C, and France seeing air conditioner sales surge over 600%.

1. MorningNational Independence Day Parade canceled due to extreme heat warning; heat indices forecast between 43.3°C and 46.1°C.
2. AfternoonThousands gather at National Mall despite heat; temperatures near 40°C.
3. Evening (approx. 8pm)Severe thunderstorm warning issued; Secret Service closes checkpoints; evacuation of National Mall ordered.
4. Night (approx. 10pm)President Trump's speech postponed; fireworks display still scheduled.