Over 842,000 without power across the country as US is blanketed by heatwave

As Americans begin celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday, nearly 1 million power outages are being reported nationwide, with PowerOutage reporting over 842,000 households without electricity across states affected by severe weather and extreme heat.

The outage figure is for homes, meaning the total number of people impacted is likely much higher. The total is expected to change throughout the day as utility crews work to restore power.

The heatwave is also disrupting major holiday plans. In Washington, D.C., organizers canceled the America’s National Independence Day Parade that was scheduled for July 4 after consultation with safety officials, citing an Extreme Heat Warning for the district with heat index values expected to reach 110°F to 115°F.

In Philadelphia, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade was canceled due to dangerous heat. Amtrak also announced cancellations of multiple train routes because of temperature-related conditions, and the Great American State Fair and FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall will open later than originally planned due to the extreme conditions.