On July 4, many governors and public officials warned residents of dangerous heat in their states. Here’s how hot it gets and how to stay safe.
Americans face dangerous heat wave ahead of July 4th weekend
The worst is yet to come as a dangerous heatwave sweeps across the East Coast and millions of people prepare to celebrate Independence Day outdoors.
On July 4th, a dome of scorching heat brings extreme temperatures to much of the United States, adding an element of danger to traditional outdoor Fourth of July festivities and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
“Be aware of the extreme heat,” New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill warned residents on social media to “be aware of the extreme heat,” and “limit your time outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day, and drink plenty of water,” ahead of temperatures expected to be 10 to 20 degrees above average across the eastern United States.
Parts of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. are expected to be dangerously hot, with heat index levels of 110 to 115. “The extreme heat that Virginians are experiencing will continue this weekend,” Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger posted on X. “Do your part to help first responders and healthcare workers enjoy the 4th of July, too. Take precautions now to avoid a trip to the emergency room. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay calm, Virginia!”
The annual Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., has been canceled due to the heat. “It’s going to be a very long, busy, and hot day in Washington, DC. With temperatures above 100 degrees, it’s important to watch the water you drink, seek shade, and limit your time outdoors,” Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote on X.
How hot will it be on July 4th?
Numerous daily temperature records are expected, with some regions threatening long-term heat records, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees from North Carolina to Pennsylvania to New Jersey, the National Weather Service said.
Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump promises to give a “very long speech” on Saturday night, could break records for the hottest temperatures ever recorded. Temperatures are expected to reach 101 degrees, according to AccuWeather, potentially breaking the current record of 100 degrees set on July 4, 1919. The NWS said the region was facing “dangerous heat” on July 4.
Heat warnings and advisories cover the National Weather Service’s Fourth of July map from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to southern Texas, the Midwest and the northern region. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, temperatures on the heat index, which takes into account how hot it feels based on relative humidity, will range from 105 to 115 degrees in much of the South Central, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Heat index temperatures of 105 to 110 are expected in parts of New York, including New Jersey and Manhattan, and heat indexes of up to 107 are expected in much of northeastern Kentucky, southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. In Kansas and Missouri, heat index values of up to 104 and 105 were predicted in Kansas City and St. Louis.
Other states under heat warnings include Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky, and southern California and southwestern Arizona are under heat warnings.
Which city is the hottest on July 4th?
The hottest cities on the July 4 heat index include Richmond, Virginia (a whopping 115), Washington, DC (110), Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (110), Tallahassee, Florida (110), and Memphis, Tennessee (109).
Want to know the potential heat index for where you live? Use the zip code lookup at Heat.gov.
How to stay safe on the hot 4th of July
Officials warned of potential dangers from the heat. According to the NWS, infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness and death because their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults. Do not leave children or pets unattended in the vehicle.
Other people who may be more sensitive to extreme heat include pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and the elderly, especially those with pre-existing conditions, the NWS said.
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More tips for enduring the heat:
- drink lots of water
- avoid the sun
- Stay in an air-conditioned room
- Check out your relatives and neighbors.
- Try to limit strenuous exercise to early morning or evening.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani said in a post on X that New Yorkers can go to cooling centers if needed during a “dangerous heat wave.”
Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management also warned residents about the heat and posted links to cooling centers around the city.
Air conditioning is important for staying cool, but in a post on X, New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to be mindful of the state’s power grid by setting their air conditioners between 75 and 78 degrees and “avoiding unnecessary appliance use.”
Contributors: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Doyle Rice and Joel Shannon
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
