Energy Department issues emergency orders as extreme heat alters July 4 celebrations across eastern US
The U.S. Department of Energy issued emergency orders this week to bring additional power plants online in the Mid-Atlantic ahead of increased demand caused by the extreme temperatures.
Coast-to-coast 4th of July forecast: heat, storms and more
While life-threatening heat is driving most of the impacts for this historic 4th of July, pop-up thunderstorms may also put a damper on some festivities. From coast to coast, FOX Weather Meteorologists Britta Merwin and Melanie Black break down the holiday forecast:
Cities across much of the eastern and central part of the country activated emergency plans and altered America 250 celebrations as record-breaking heat builds across the nation through the July 4 holiday weekend.
That comes as the U.S. Department of Energy issued emergency orders this week to bring additional power plants online in the Mid-Atlantic ahead of increased demand caused by the extreme temperatures.
HOLIDAY FORECAST: DANGEROUS HEAT, POP-UP STORMS TARGET AMERICA 250 CELEBRATIONS FROM COAST TO COAST
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - JUNE 29: People spend time at Washington Square Park during hot weather in New York City, United States, on June 29, 2026.
((Photo by Selçuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
As holiday travel got underway and temperatures approached triple digits Thursday morning, Amtrak canceled several trains operating across the Northeast corridor and Virginia branches.
New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and other major metro areas have activated heat response plans, with more than 160 million people across the country already under Heat Alerts.
Washington, D.C. issues Extreme Heat Alert
The nation's capital, which is a focal point for America 250 celebrations, could see four consecutive days of 100-degree temperatures.
KNOW YOUR HEAT TERMINOLOGY: EXTREME HEAT WARNING, EXTREME HEAT WATCH AND HEAT ADVISORY
Washington, D.C. issued an Extreme Heat Alert through Sunday morning, while Mayor Muriel Bowser urged people on Tuesday to begin limiting time outdoors.
![People attend the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2026.]()
Image 1 of 4People attend the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2026. ((Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images))
![WASHINGTON,DC - JUNE 30: A construction worker wraps a towel around their head for sun protection near DuPont Circle on June 30, 2026, in Washington, DC.]()
Image 2 of 4WASHINGTON,DC - JUNE 30: A construction worker wraps a towel around their head for sun protection near DuPont Circle on June 30, 2026, in Washington, DC. ((Photo by Christine Kao/The Washington Post via Getty Images))
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Image 3 of 4WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 01: Preparations and construction continue, including the construction of the stage that U.S. President Donald Trump will speak from, on the west side of the Washington Monument on July 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. ( (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images))
![People attend the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2026.]()
Image 4 of 4People attend the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2026. ((Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images))
The Great American State Fair will be on the National Mall through July 10, and is one of the major outdoor components of the America 250 festivities. Visitors are advised to drink plenty of water as they explore the various exhibits.
The city also said the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has treated over 6,000 feet of rail track with reflective white paint to prevent vulnerable segments from warping during extreme heat.
Baltimore declares a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert
Baltimore also declared an Extreme Heat Alert through Sunday, extending hours for city pools and opening community cooling centers.
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 01: Samuel Basallo #29 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland.
((Photo by Olivia Vega/MLB Photos via Getty Images))
New York City expands heat emergency measures
New York City announced Wednesday that additional cooling centers will be open through July 5, including the Jacob Javits Convention Center, a 3.4 million square foot facility. This is in addition to new, mobile cooling vans that will also allow city workers to provide hot weather wellness checks.
EXTREME HEAT SAFETY: HOW TO PREPARE AND STAY COOL DURING A HEAT WAVE
Additional pop-up cooling stations will also be activated that will provide cold water to outdoor workers. The city also suspended evictions through Friday due to the extreme heat.
NEW YORK CITY - JUNE 29: People cool off at Coney Island beach on June 29, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
((Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) / Getty Images)
According to the FOX Forecast Center, this could be the first time NYC sees back-to-back 100 degree days since 2011.
Philadelphia shortens Independence Day Parade route
Philadelphia also issued a Heat Health Emergency through July 4 and is moving parts of the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival into cooled tents on Thursday and Friday.
In addition, the city is cutting its Independence Day Parade on Friday one mile shorter due to the expected extreme heat. Over 50 cooling centers have been activated across the city.
HERE'S HOW WEATHER WILL IMPACT THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
Philly could tie its hottest temperature ever recorded, 106 degrees, later this week, the FOX Forecast Center said.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 30: A re-enactor from Historic Philadelphia, Inc drinks water from period accurate canteen following a performance near Independence Hall on June 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
((Photo by Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images) / Getty Images)
Boston issues Excessive Heat Warning through Friday
While Boston isn't expected to enter record-breaking territory, Mayor Michelle Wu issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the city through Friday. The city is recommending that most outdoor activities be rescheduled.
State-owned pools are also offering free admission to help people stave off the extreme temperatures.
Boston, MA - June 30: Children play at the Ryan Wading Pool on June 30, 2026.
((Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
Chicago opens cooling centers, activates heat emergency plan
The City of Chicago has activated its Emergency Operations Center to help deal with the heat. Cooling centers will remain open across the city through Thursday with heat index values expected to approach triple-digits.
WHAT IS THE HEAT INDEX AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH?
Public schools also moved their summer programs indoors during the peak of the heat.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 29: People cool off at Crown Fountain in Millennium Park as temperatures topped 90 degrees on June 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
((Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) / Getty Images)
Nashville conducting heat patrols
Nashville's Office of Emergency Management is conducting heat patrols throughout the week, where crews will conduct wellness checks on vulnerable people, offering cold water and wet towels.
The heat index was expected to reach 104 degrees in the city Wednesday.
Check back for updates on this developing story.