07/05/2026
July 4th marks the final stretch of one of the worst U.S. heat waves in years.
As Americans celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, dangerous heat is stretching from New England to the Southeast, with highs in the 90s and low 100s.
Philadelphia is expected to reach around 100°F (38°C), while Washington, DC, could see another triple-digit day and possibly its hottest Fourth of July ever recorded. New York City is forecast to reach the upper 90s, with humidity making it feel even hotter.
The heat has already been historic.
Central Park reached 100°F (38°C) for the first time since 2012. Washington, DC, hit 102°F (39°C) on both Thursday and Friday, breaking daily records that had stood for more than 120 years. Philadelphia reached 103°F (39°C), tying a record last set in 1901.
The impacts are already visible. Washington, DC’s July 4th parade was canceled because of extreme heat. The Great American State Fair on the National Mall delayed its opening by two hours. In the New York metro area, thousands of customers experienced power outages as heat strained the grid.
Health officials are warning that the conditions are dangerous. The CDC reported extremely high rates of heat-related illness in parts of the Northeast, and officials in Pennsylvania said a 68-year-old man died after trimming bushes in temperatures above 100°F (38°C).
Scientists say climate change made this heat wave worse. A rapid analysis from World Weather Attribution found that the intensity of the heat and humidity would have been “virtually impossible” without fossil fuel pollution warming the planet.
There is also a storm risk. The same heat and humidity could fuel thunderstorms during July 4th celebrations, especially in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, bringing lightning, damaging winds, and possible fireworks delays.
The heat is expected to ease Sunday across much of the East.
But this holiday has already shown how extreme heat can turn a national celebration into a public health emergency.
Learn more:
"Extreme heat wave in its final stretch and could fuel storms during July 4 celebrations." CNN Weather
📸Credit: Forecast from NOAA
