How extreme heat is changing DC's July 4th weekend event plans
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Comments: by Tara Suter - 07/02/26 4:23 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Tara Suter - 07/02/26 4:23 PM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING Much of the eastern half of the U.S.
is dealing with extreme heat this week, including the nation’s capital. The high temperature Thursday in Washington, D.C., was forecast to be 102, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The heat comes as the District prepares to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday over the Fourth of July weekend.
Multiple events may be affected by the broiling temperatures. “Have a plan to stay cool this week: stay hydrated, dress in lightweight/loose clothing when possible, and check in with family & friends to make sure they’re safe from the heat,” the NWS’s Baltimore/Washington forecast office said in a post on the social platform X on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know about how the heat is impacting 250th and July Fourth celebrations in D.C., with NWS forecasting similarly high temperatures through Saturday. A daily rodeo at the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall was postponed on Thursday, according to the group behind the fair, Freedom 250. “Schedule Update — Today’s Freedom 250 Rodeo has been postponed.
The celebration continues tonight at 9:00 PM with a multi-platinum and GRAMMY-nominated superstar closing out the evening with a blockbuster headlining performance featuring chart-topping hits,” Freedom 250 posted on the social platform X on Thursday afternoon. “Multiple complimentary water distribution stations and food and beverages are also available for purchase throughout the fair site. We’ll see you tonight at the Great American State Fair!” The rodeo is usually scheduled for 4 p.m.
Thursdays, according to the Freedom 250 website. Capitol Police said in a social media post on X Thursday afternoon that the public would be excluded from a rehearsal on Thursday night for a Friday concert on the Capitol’s West Lawn because of the heat.
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