FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Temperatures exceeding 39°C in some areas have forced authorities to cancel parades and festive activities, while cities are taking extraordinary measures to protect citizens.
The United States is marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this weekend, but the July 4th celebrations are taking place under the influence of a severe heat wave that has engulfed much of the country's east coast.
Millions of Americans were expected to participate in parades, concerts and festivals organized on the occasion of this historic jubilee, 250 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. However, extreme temperatures have forced local authorities to cancel or change some of the activities, warning of serious risks to the health of citizens.
Unlike previous years, this year's anniversary has been organized on a much larger scale, after several years of preparation. However, the organization has also been accompanied by political debates. Initially, Congress had charged the bipartisan "America250" commission with coordinating the celebrations, but then President Donald Trump, through an executive order, transferred the organization of many of the main activities to the "Liberty 250" committee.
The artistic program also faced changes, as several well-known artists withdrew from participation due to their activities being linked to the Trump administration. At the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, the president gave a speech, calling himself "the number one attraction anywhere in the world."
Cancellations and changes due to heat
Temperatures, which in some areas of Washington reached over 39 degrees Celsius, forced organizers to temporarily close the Great American State Fair.
In Philadelphia, the 250th Independence Day parade was canceled, while other festive events in Pennsylvania were postponed or canceled for safety reasons. Rail transport has also been affected, with Amtrak announcing possible cancellations and delays due to the impact of high temperatures on rail infrastructure.
According to the company, extreme heat can cause tracks, bridges and overhead lines to expand, forcing the imposition of speed restrictions for trains.
Measures for the protection of citizens
Cities across the northeastern US have activated emergency plans to cope with the heat. In New York, hundreds of cooling centers have opened, while special teams are assisting the homeless and the most vulnerable groups.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on citizens to stay indoors as much as possible and set air conditioners to 26 degrees Celsius to avoid overloading the electrical grid.
Meanwhile, Boston has offered free admission to several air-conditioned museums, while Providence has extended the hours of public pools and water parks to help citizens cope with the high temperatures.
Advice from authorities
The National Weather Service recommends that citizens consume as much water as possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
Health authorities also advise limiting alcohol consumption and monitoring elderly people or other vulnerable groups, while emphasizing that symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, nausea, or very hot skin require immediate medical intervention.
Si ka thene Fishta, eshte nje Zot qe fort do ta dona.