Heat Wave Disrupts Fourth of July Events in Eastern US
A significant heat wave is impacting celebrations across the eastern United States. Organizers are adjusting plans in response to extreme temperatures. (sources: bbc, thehill, theguardian, cbsnews, abcnews)
More than 165 million people are experiencing high heat and humidity, with temperatures reaching around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This has led to the cancellation and alteration of various Fourth of July events.
- Temperatures are expected to remain around 100 degrees Fahrenheit for several days.
- Washington, D.C. and other eastern cities are facing extreme heat conditions.
- Event organizers are modifying plans for Fourth of July celebrations due to the heat.
Why it matters
The heat wave poses health risks and affects traditional holiday celebrations across a large population.
↓ Congress can act on this
8 bills on this issue are moving right now — and the most active one is HR4497: Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2025.
HR4497 · 119th Congress
Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2025
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About this bill
What HR4497 actually does
This story is about Brutal heat cancels Fourth of July events, from DC to Philadelphia. This bill would expand the chance that cities and states would access FEMA-scale support after severe heat events.
If passed, it would:
- make extreme heat eligible under the major-disaster framework in the Stafford Act • expand the chance that cities and states could access FEMA-scale support after severe heat events.
7 other bills moving on this issue
Take action on any of them individually.
This story is about Brutal heat cancels Fourth of July events, from DC to Philadelphia. This bill would require a federal workplace heat standard through the Department of Labor.
If passed, it would
- require a federal workplace heat standard through the Department of Labor • impose enforceable employer protections against heat-related illness and injury.
This story is about Brutal heat cancels Fourth of July events, from DC to Philadelphia. This bill would direct FEMA, NOAA, and CDC to define an extreme-heat threshold for assistance.
If passed, it would
- create a heat-management grant pathway for states and localities • direct FEMA, NOAA, and CDC to define an extreme-heat threshold for assistance.
This story is about Brutal heat cancels Fourth of July events, from DC to Philadelphia. This bill would establish the National Integrated Heat Health Information System within NOAA and an interagency coordination structure.
If passed, it would
- establish the National Integrated Heat Health Information System within NOAA and an interagency coordination structure • add a study and financial-assistance programs tied to heat preparedness and response.
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