Washington's July 4 parade is off. The fireworks are still on

National Washington's July 4 parade is off. The fireworks are still on July 4, 202612:42 PM ET By  Willem Marx National stand guard near the Washington Monument at the national mall, during an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary on Saturday. Rahmat Gul/AP hide caption toggle caption Rahmat Gul/AP Washington's National Independence Day Parade has been canceled, according to an announcement from organizers late Friday night. Short Wave This July 4th, are you a thrill- or chill-seeker? The parade had been scheduled to mark the nation's 250th birthday and begin at 10:30 a.m EST. Saturday. Todd Marcocci, president of Under The Sun Productions, which was overseeing the parade, said the move followed consultation with the National Park Service, the D.C. city government and Freedom 250, the nonprofit overseeing the anniversary celebrations. "This decision was made after extensive and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators, and staff as the top priority," he said. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme heat warning for the D.C. area, in effect from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Saturday. The agency said heat index values, which combine temperature and humidity, are expected to reach between 110°F and 115°F, and warned that "heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events." Sponsor Message The NWS said that alongside the high humidity, early morning low temperatures in the 70s and 80s would mean "little to no overnight relief." The service also warned that "prolonged excessive heat may impact power, water, and transportation systems." A separate Code Purple air quality alert — indicating "very unhealthy" — is also in effect for D.C. on Saturday. The cancellation came hours after Washington recorded its hottest day in decades. Reagan National Airport hit 102°F on Friday afternoon, breaking a record of 101°F for that specific date, which had stood since 1966. Saturday's...