Heat wave grips eastern U.S., with effects spreading to 250th anniversary events

2026-07-02

Heat wave continues across eastern U.S.

The eastern United States saw temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius in many places on the 2nd. According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), highs reached 38 degrees Celsius in Washington, the capital, and New York City. The region is under a strong high-pressure system, creating the so-called heat dome phenomenon.

About 20 taken to hospital after bus breaks down

In northern New York state on the 1st, about 20 people taking part in a military program for high school students reported feeling unwell inside a bus with a broken air conditioner and were taken to hospital. Local media said some fainted or vomited. Their lives are not in danger, it said.

Impact spreads to weekend events

The NWS expects more than 160 million people to face a serious risk of heat illness by the weekend. In some areas, the apparent temperature, including humidity, could reach 38 to 46 degrees Celsius, and temperatures are unlikely to fall much at night. Rail services are also affected. NJ Transit, which connects eastern New Jersey and New York City, said on the 2nd that delays and cancellations could continue until the 4th, citing the risk that overhead wires and tracks could warp in the heat.

The heat is also affecting events marking the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, including those set for the 4th at the National Mall in central Washington and elsewhere across the country. In Washington, entry for a music concert on the 3rd was changed from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. In Philadelphia, the route for a parade on the eve of Independence Day was shortened to about 1.6 kilometers, and a neighborhood block party was canceled.

The commemorative ceremony and fireworks in Washington are expected to go ahead as planned. U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 1st that the temperature on the 4th would be 41 degrees Celsius and added, 'I'm going to make a very long speech to prove I can do anything.' His speech is scheduled for the evening of that day, and the NWS said the apparent temperature on the 4th could rise to as high as 42.7 degrees Celsius.

The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, a U.S. think tank, says annual economic losses in the United States from extreme heat amount to at least 100 billion dollars, or about 16 trillion yen. It says the heat slows consumption and reduces labor productivity.

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