Washington, D.C.’s annual A Capitol Fourth concert will go on as planned Friday evening despite oppressive temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits, though officials are adjusting event logistics and urging attendees to take precautions as a dangerous heat wave settles over the nation’s capital.
The U.S. Capitol Police announced Friday morning that the concert will still begin at 8 p.m., but public entry will be delayed until 7 p.m. because of the extreme heat. Officials also warned that people who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses should use extra caution if they plan to attend.
Guests are being encouraged to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and non-glass water bottles will be allowed inside the venue.
The precautions come as much of the eastern United States endures one of the hottest stretches of the summer, just as millions of Americans prepare for Independence Day celebrations. The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat alerts across more than two dozen states, with heat index values expected to exceed 100 degrees in many metropolitan areas. In Washington, forecasters say “feels like” temperatures could approach 110 degrees during the day before gradually easing after sunset.
Despite the oppressive weather, officials have indicated they still expect large crowds for the holiday festivities centered around the National Mall.
This year’s schedule has already been altered to accommodate the Freedom 250 celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Rather than taking place on July 4 as it traditionally does, A Capitol Fourth was moved to Friday evening to make room for Saturday’s expanded programming, including a massive fireworks display over the National Mall.
The annual concert will feature performances by Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson, Chicago, Kool & the Gang, the National Symphony Orchestra, the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the Choral Arts Society of Washington, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus. The program will be broadcast nationally on PBS.
Organizers have also modified Saturday’s schedule because of the weather. Entry to the Washington Monument grounds for the Freedom 250 fireworks will not begin until 5 p.m., several hours later than initially planned, as officials try to reduce the amount of time spectators spend outside in dangerous afternoon temperatures.
In a joint statement, Freedom 250 organizers and federal agencies said the changes were made to prioritize the safety of attendees, performers, and staff. Additional cooling stations, drinking water, misting areas, and medical personnel will be available throughout the event grounds.
Saturday’s Salute to America program is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with President Donald Trump expected to deliver remarks at 9:45 p.m. before what organizers have billed as the nation’s largest Independence Day fireworks display begins at 10:30 p.m. Trump quipped earlier this week that the stifling temperatures won’t stop him from delivering a “really long” speech.
The celebrations are also expected to affect travel throughout the Washington region. Airspace restrictions tied to military flyovers and rehearsal flights will temporarily suspend operations at Reagan Washington National Airport from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and again from noon until midnight Saturday, preventing arrivals and departures during those windows.
Transportation officials are also taking steps to deal with the heat. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has coated thousands of feet of rail with reflective white paint to reduce heat absorption and lower the risk of tracks warping as temperatures soar.
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Meanwhile, visitors attending the Great American State Fair, which runs on the National Mall through July 10 as part of the America 250 festivities, are also being advised to drink plenty of water, seek shade whenever possible, and take frequent breaks during the hottest part of the day.
Federal and local officials are urging anyone planning to spend extended time outdoors over the holiday weekend to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke as dangerous temperatures persist across much of the region.