Extreme heat has forced the temporary closure of the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., disrupting Fourth of July celebrations as millions of Americans endure record-breaking temperatures.
According to BBC, organisers closed the fair on the National Mall on Friday, saying the decision was made to protect visitors, volunteers, performers, vendors and staff from dangerous weather conditions.
“The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority,” the organisers said.
The US National Weather Service said more than 165 million people across the East Coast and Midwest were affected by the heatwave, which has disrupted holiday events, outdoor World Cup matches and activities marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The fair’s organisers, Freedom 250, said the event would reopen at 5:00 p.m. local time after temperatures eased.
The Washington Post reported that several people were treated for heat-related illnesses at the fair by the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department.
Authorities warned residents and visitors to take precautions, with temperatures expected to exceed 100°F (38°C) in several cities, including Washington and Philadelphia.
The heatwave also forced changes to other Independence Day events, including delays to public entry for Washington’s annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert and the cancellation of Philadelphia’s Salute to Independence parade.
Meteorologists warned that while the heat is expected to ease in some parts of the country over the weekend, severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, hail, flash floods and possible tornadoes across parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes.
