Extreme heat disrupts July 4 celebrations in the US, parades canceled in Washington and Philadelphia

Independence Day celebrations in the United States have been significantly affected by high temperatures and elevated humidity levels, forcing organizers to cancel or alter some of the most important events.

The traditional Fourth of July parades will not take place in either Washington or Philadelphia, the historic city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

In Washington, D.C., where major celebrations are usually held on the National Mall, organizing authorities have decided to delay the opening of entrances to the public in an effort to avoid long lines in dangerous conditions caused by the scorching heat.

Despite the difficult weather situation, President Donald Trump has described the event as a “spectacular rally,” and jokingly said he would deliver a “very long speech” to prove he can withstand the heat wave.

Those comments, however, have prompted criticism from his political opponents, who accuse the president of politicizing a national holiday.

A day earlier, during a speech at Mount Rushmore, Trump spoke about what he described as the “return of the communist threat” and attacked several groups that, according to him, do not embody American values.