Extreme heatwave disrupts July 4th events across US

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Major cities across the United States celebrated the country’s 250th birthday, but the events faced some big challenges, including extreme heat and thunderstorms.

Gates opened at the Salute to America event on the National Mall around 5 p.m. Saturday, despite the intense heat.

A severe thunderstorm forced an evacuation just a couple of hours later.

President Donald Trump’s celebration for America’s 250th anniversary promised a record-breaking fireworks show.

“I mean, we’re going for the world record, but most importantly, we want the show to be memorable and aesthetically beautiful for the crowd and, and something that people will remember forever,” said Stephen Vitale, CEO of Live Events/Pyrotecnico.

A fierce heat wave also forced organizers to alter or cancel events in the capital and in communities all along the east coast.

In Washington DC, the opening of the Great American State Fair was postponed by two hours Saturday. Friday, it had to temporarily shut down due to the heat.

“We were told they were closing it down due to the heat. A lot of people were passing out,” said Renee Swart.

First responders were on hand to quickly respond to any emergencies.

“Fourth of July is typically our busiest day of the year where we run five to six hundred calls a day. I think we’re going to be over a thousand this weekend,” said DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly.

The heat is also causing unhealthy air quality in some cities. On top of that, the extended firework displays will likely only make the air quality worse.