Severe storms and heat wave disrupt Independence Day events and trigger flood watches across the Northeast

A combination of extreme heat and severe thunderstorms disrupted Independence Day celebrations across the United States on July 4. In Washington, D.C., thunderstorms forced the temporary evacuation of thousands of visitors from the National Mall, delaying President Trump's remarks and prompting a shift in the fireworks schedule. Similar weather challenges affected New York City, Boston, Hartford, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre and other cities, leading to cancelled or postponed fireworks and temporary sheltering of crowds.

The National Weather Service placed 34 million people in the Northeast under a flood watch through Monday, with forecasts of up to four inches of rain in Philadelphia and New York City. Strong to severe thunderstorms are also expected from the mid-Atlantic into the northern Plains, with isolated tornadoes possible in the Plains.

Power outages impacted more than 501,000 utility customers, the highest numbers in Pennsylvania and Michigan, according to PowerOutage.us. In New York, a storm on Friday left hundreds of thousands without electricity amid a heat wave that saw temperatures reach 98 °F in Central Park. New Jersey reported at least 25 suspected heat-related deaths, according to a spokesperson for the state health department, who said the figures are preliminary.

Atlantic City recorded a July high of 105 °F, and wind gusts of up to 70 mph were reported in parts of New Jersey, causing train delays and extensive tree damage. Crews from 12 states and Canada were dispatched to Michigan to assist with restoration efforts.

In Wisconsin, a sudden severe storm on Geneva Lake caused a motorboat to capsize, resulting in the deaths of three children under age 13. Six adults and one child were rescued; all four children on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities are investigating the incident as a weather-related accident.

Emergency services in Washington, D.C., responded to dozens of heat-related calls at the National Mall, including patient transports and contacts at the Great American State Fair. The city also recorded an all-time warm low temperature of 84 °F. Despite the conditions, officials and event organizers worked to keep celebrations proceeding where possible, adjusting timings and providing shelter for attendees.