The annual A Capitol Fourth concert is proceeding as planned on Friday evening despite sweltering temperatures that are expected to reach over 100 degrees. Organizers are taking precautions to ensure the safety of attendees, including adjusting event logistics and urging visitors to stay hydrated.
The extreme heat has forced the temporary closure of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, with attendees told it would reopen at 5 p.m. Friday. The fair, which had attracted a large crowd, had earlier been treated to multiple practice run flyovers ahead of Saturday's extravaganza.
Public entry to the A Capitol Fourth concert will be delayed until 7 p.m. due to the extreme heat, while officials warn that people who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses should use extra caution if they plan to attend. Guests are being encouraged to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and non-glass water bottles will be allowed inside the venue.
The heat wave is affecting much of the eastern United States, with the National Weather Service issuing extreme heat alerts across more than two dozen states. In Washington, forecasters say "feels like" temperatures could approach 110 degrees during the day before gradually easing after sunset.
Despite the oppressive weather, officials expect large crowds for the holiday festivities centered around the National Mall. The annual concert will feature performances by Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson, Chicago, Kool & the Gang, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
Organizers have also modified Saturday's schedule because of the weather. Entry to the Washington Monument grounds for the Freedom 250 fireworks will not begin until 5 p.m., several hours later than initially planned, as officials try to reduce the amount of time spectators spend outside in dangerous afternoon temperatures.
Additional cooling stations, drinking water, misting areas, and medical personnel will be available throughout the event grounds. Saturday's Salute to America program is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with President Donald Trump expected to deliver remarks at 9:45 p.m. before the nation's largest Independence Day fireworks display begins at 10:30 p.m.
The celebrations are also expected to affect travel throughout the Washington region. Airspace restrictions tied to the military flyovers and rehearsal flights will temporarily suspend operations at Reagan Washington National Airport from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and again from noon until midnight Saturday.
Transportation officials are taking steps to deal with the heat, including coating thousands of feet of rail with reflective white paint to reduce heat absorption and lower the risk of tracks warping as temperatures soar.
Federal and local officials are urging anyone planning to spend extended time outdoors over the holiday weekend to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke as dangerous temperatures persist across much of the region.
