The Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington DC was temporarily closed on Friday afternoon as extreme heat conditions swept the US capital, with temperatures reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit and heat index levels rising above 110 degrees, according to organizers.
Organizers Announce Closure for Safety
In a post on X, the fair's organizers, Freedom 250, stated that the fair would remain closed until 5 pm local time due to the prevailing weather conditions. "Due to the heat, and in coordination with public safety officials, the Great American State Fair will be temporarily closed until 5:00 p.m. today. The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continue for this evening's festivities," the post read.
Heatwave Disrupts July 4 Celebrations
The closure is part of broader disruptions to America's 250th Independence anniversary celebrations due to extreme weather. A parade scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia was cancelled hours before it was set to begin because of the soaring temperatures. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump arrived in South Dakota for Independence Eve celebrations, where he was scheduled to deliver remarks at Mount Rushmore later in the day.
Record Heat Expected
According to weather reports, the heatwave is expected to persist across parts of the eastern United States. Washington DC is forecast to record a high of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), which could make it one of the hottest July Fourths in the city's history. Philadelphia and New York City are also expected to experience temperatures near 100 degrees, with heat indices reaching around 105, as per CNN weather reports.
Events Continue Despite Heat
The US Capitol Fourth concert is still scheduled to take place at Capitol Hill, with the US Capitol Police confirming that gates will open at 7 pm despite the conditions. The intensity of the heat and humidity combined this week would have been "virtually impossible" without the effects of fossil fuel pollution, according to an analysis from World Weather Attribution, cited by CNN.
Trump's Stance on Climate Change
However, Trump remains adamant on his stance on climate change, which he said is a 'hoax'. He said he wished to "restore truth and sanity" to US history by removing signage on climate change, slavery and other topics, as reported by EuroNews.
