Millions of people across the US East Coast are enduring dangerous heat and humidity, with temperatures expected to reach and stay at 38C (100F) for several days – just as the nation prepares to mark its 250th birthday and host World Cup matches outdoors.
The National Weather Service warned that the heat index – a measure of how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity – could reach as high as 115F in cities such as Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York over the 4 July weekend. “This level of rare and long-duration heat, with little or no overnight relief, affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” the service said.
“Millions face dangerous heat as Trump set to speak outdoors on July 4 and Taylor Swift wedding planned in New York.”
In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to stay indoors. “My recommendation to all New Yorkers is to stay inside and stay cool,” he said at a press conference, “and if you happen to be getting married at Madison Square Garden, you will be staying inside and you will be staying cool, and I think it’s a good example to set for the city at large.” Pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are reportedly celebrating their wedding on Friday at the New York arena.
Further south, Washington DC could record four days in a row of 100F heat – a feat that has only happened twice before. The United States Capitol Police announced that only essential personnel would be allowed to attend a rehearsal for a 4 July concert, due to concerns about members of the public gathering amid the excessive heat.
Despite the forecast, President Donald Trump has maintained he wants to gather outside for the celebration. “By the way, on July 4th, it’s goin…” he said, according to BBC. On Channel 4 News, Trump promised a “really long speech” for July 4. He is expected to headline a spectacular ‘America 250’ event in Washington DC.
The soaring temperatures are raising concerns as Trump hosts the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations and multiple World Cup matches take place outdoors. Air conditioning units reportedly failed at some exhibits at Trump’s Great American State Fair in Washington DC, as temperatures hit a sweltering 100 degrees. The president became so upset over photos showing less-than-enthusiastic turnout at his kickoff speech that White House staff scrambled to delete the images from social media after he “melted down” at them, CNN reported.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth railed against “ingrate” protesters who wailed sirens, chanted and honked horns as he and other members of the administration gave remarks honoring National Guard members stationed in DC. “It’s the sound of ingrates, of ingratitude of people who are so blinded by ideology they can’t see law and order and common sense in front of them,” Hegseth said.
As the heatwave intensifies, Trump also called on gas retailers to reduce fuel prices faster, praising a Philadelphia-based chain for offering discounted prices. The National Weather Service continued extreme heat warnings from the Midwest to the Northeast on Thursday. By 9:00 EST, temperatures were already close to 90F in Washington and New York City. Maximum temperatures could hit 100F in New York Central Park on Thursday and Friday – which would be the first time in 12 years that New York has been this hot.