Organizers of the D.C. Fourth of July Parade have canceled it as temperatures are expected to reach 110 to 115°F.
WASHINGTON — Organizers canceled the District of Columbia’s National Independence Day parade late Friday due to concerns about extreme heat.
“This decision was made after full and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators and staff as a top priority,” organizers said.
According to the National Park Service, the parade was scheduled for the Fourth of July at 10:30 a.m. on Independence Avenue Southwest, between 3rd and 12th streets.
This story continues below.
Temperatures at 10 a.m. Saturday will be around 93 degrees with a heat index near 100, according to WUSA9 meteorologist Caitlin McGrath.
There will be no alternative time for the parade, according to the website.
The mile-long parade was historically held on Independence Day and included marching bands, a drum corps, giant balloons, national dignitaries and celebrities.
According to the parade website, participating marching bands were invited based on nominations from their state representatives and were notified of their participation in February.
Volunteers often come from 4-H groups, school organizations, Boy and Girl Scouts, church groups and other organizations, organizers said.
The parade is organized by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events, which has a contract with the National Park Service.