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U.S. Faces Record Heat Over 4th of July Holiday, as Spain Says June Heat Wave Killed 1,000+

HeadlineJul 02, 2026

Spain’s government reports more than 1,000 people died of heat-related causes during last month’s historic heat wave. Previously, officials in France said heat-related fatalities also topped 1,000 in June, while Germany has so far reported over 800 deaths.

Here in the United States, the National Weather Service warns more than 165 million people across midwestern and eastern states are at risk of either “major” or “extreme” heat-related health issues over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with triple-digit temperatures in many cities. Forecasters warn New York, Philadelphia and other cities could see record highs and their warmest-ever overnight low temperatures.

Meanwhile, the forecast for Washington, D.C., calls for triple-digit heat on the National Mall for Saturday’s Fourth of July celebrations marking the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence. President Trump is planning to speak at 9:45 Eastern time, delaying fireworks celebrations. Trump has advertised the event as “the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all.”

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