Washington DC’s iconic Fourth of July parade Saturday was called off because of scorching temperatures.
Organizers of the decades-old America’s Independence Day Parade abruptly canceled the event over extreme heat warnings late Friday night, according to a statement from Mayor Murial Bowser’s office.
The event that draws in hundreds of thousands of eager spectators each year was scheduled to kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday – when temperatures are expected to reach an unbearable 102 degrees.
The heat index value, which factors in air temperature and humidity, is expected to hover between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
“This decision was made after extensive and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators and staff as the top priority,” Boswer wrote.
This shock cancellation comes days after the mayor issued an extreme weather alert, urging residents and visitors to brace themselves for the heat wave between July 1 and July 5.
Saturday’s warning in DC remains in effect until 9 p.m., when it is expected to cool down, according to The Weather Channel.
President Donald Trump is planning to give a speech at the Salute to America bash on the National Mall to commemorate the nation’s 250th Independence Day at 9:45 p.m. Saturday.
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