Record-breaking heat disrupts America’s 250th birthday celebrations and travel

HeatRecord-breaking heat disrupts America’s 250th birthday celebrations and travelExtreme heat has prompted event cancellations and delays as millions celebrate America’s big birthday.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00People cool themselves with water bottles during the Great American State Fair on the National Mall on July 2.Alex Wong / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 3, 2026, 3:32 PM EDTBy Erin McGarryA record-setting heat wave is blanketing much of the United States as millions of Americans gather for Independence Day, prompting the cancellation of events marking America’s 250th birthday.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.More than 87 million people are under extreme heat risk, according to the National Weather Service, while more than 150 million remain under heat alerts stretching from Kansas to Maine. Several East Coast cities could break daily or all-time July temperature records Friday. Forecasters say Philadelphia could reach 103 degrees, just shy of its all-time July record of 104, while New York City’s Central Park is forecast to hit 102 degrees after reaching 100 degrees Thursday, its first triple-digital reading since 2012.The dangerous temperatures have already disrupted several events scheduled for Friday. Philadelphia canceled its Wawa Welcome America parade, Washington’s Great American State Fair temporarily closed Friday afternoon, and other celebrations have delayed public entry to reduce exposure during the hottest hours.Follow along for live updates.The heat is also affecting rail travel. New Jersey Transit warned Friday morning that rail service is subject to delays of up to 30 minutes and select train cancellations due to the effects of extreme heat on equipment. Amtrak also warned that trains operating along the Northeast Corridor may run at reduced speeds between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. through Saturday because of the heat.Forecasters are also tra...