Heat wave and severe weather disrupt July 4 events as officials investigate more than 20 suspected heat deaths

Why was Washington's July 4 parade canceled?

Organizers canceled the parade after the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for Washington, with forecast heat index values around 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and said safety was the top priority Univision,Європейська…,УКРІНФОРМ.

What weather conditions were driving the heat?

NBC and Anadolu reported that a high-pressure heat dome was parked over the country, pushing air downward and heating it as it descended, which helped drive temperatures above 100 degrees in some places NBC News,Anadolu Ajansı.

What remained unclear as of July 4?

Authorities were still describing the deaths as suspected heat-related cases rather than final confirmed totals, and dangerous heat was expected to persist through the holiday weekend in several regions NBC News,Exame,Anadolu Ajansı.