The Great American State Fair on the National Mall was forced to close early due to a record-breaking heatwave that gripped Washington, D.C., with temperatures nearing 100°F and heat indexes exceeding 113°F.Organizers suspended the event, planning to resume at 5 p.m., as the city activated an extreme heat alert through July 5.At least 20 locations broke daily temperature records, with cities like New York and Newark experiencing hotter conditions than Phoenix.

The heatwave disrupted multiple events, including Philadelphia's Independence Day parade and parades in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Haddon Township, New Jersey.A study by World Weather Attribution linked the heat intensity to fossil fuel pollution, emphasizing the urgency of climate action.

The extreme weather also strained the power grid, prompting Energy Secretary Chris Wright to redirect data center power to residential air conditioning.Officials urged attendees to take breaks in the shade, stay hydrated, and monitor for heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups.The incident highlights the growing impact of climate change on public events and infrastructure.