How extreme heat is changing DC’s July 4th weekend event plans

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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.

The heat comes as D.C. 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 National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington forecast office wrote on social media Wednesday.

Here’s what you need to know about how the heat is impacting 250th and July Fourth celebrations in D.C., with the National Weather Service forecasting similarly high temperatures through Saturday.

Great American State Fair rodeo

The 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 social media 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 concert rehearsal

The U.S. Capitol Police released a statement on social media Thursday afternoon, saying 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.

“After a safety consultation with the Office of the Attending Physician – due to the excessive heat – only essential personnel will be permitted to attend tonight’s (July 2) rehearsal for A Capitol Fourth Concert. For safety reasons, the public will not be able to attend tonight’s rehearsal concert. Everyone is sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. The National Weather Service is forecasting an extreme heat watch with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees,” the Capitol Police wrote in the statement.

“Tomorrow (July 3) by 10:00 a.m., an announcement will be made about the status of tomorrow’s A Capitol Fourth Concert.”

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