Heat wave spoils plans for the 250th anniversary of the USA. They cancel parades, concerts and fireworks

The Great American State Fair on Washington’s National Mall, the centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s program to mark the nation’s 250th birthday, is among the events disrupted by the heat. It was temporarily closed on Friday afternoon as temperatures soared to 38 degrees Celsius.

The organizers said that it is expected to reopen at 5 p.m., weather permitting, and cooling tents and stations for spraying small droplets of water have also been introduced.

Record-breaking temperatures followed the Midwest into the eastern U.S. earlier this week, with heat warnings on Friday for areas of more than 185 million people, the National Weather Service said, as many parts of the country braced for highs of up to 46 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists and government officials warned that the heat wave could be deadly, urging Americans celebrating the holiday outdoors this weekend to drink plenty of water, seek shade and watch for signs of heatstroke at gatherings and public events.

Events were canceled in at least seven federal states. These include a large Independence Day parade in Philadelphia, as well as celebrations in Takoma Park, Maryland, and Loudoun County, Virginia.