Revelers Across the US Brave Heat and Rain to Celebrate Fourth of July

Despite soaring temperatures and severe weather, millions of Americans braved the elements to celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, fireworks, and of course, a famous hot dog eating contest. 

In the Northeast, Tuesday, people dodged raindrops to watch iconic fireworks shows. The New York City event deployed 60,000 pyrotechnics. In Washington, D.C. the president and his family were among the thousands to show up for the show over the National Mall.

Here’s the finale of the #July4th fireworks from the roof of the Lincoln Memorial. Happy #IndependenceDay! #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/EbndXgBq66

— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) July 5, 2023

Meanwhile, down South, heat advisories were in effect for many states, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits and storms in some areas turning more destructive.

Severe weather hit the Midwest the hardest, with hail and strong winds forcing several firework shows in South Dakota to be postponed or canceled. 

Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions across the country, 2024 presidential candidates still hit the campaign trail. Mike Pence braved 94-degree temperatures in Iowa to march in a local parade. 

“For me, it was vitally important to be here where the journey to the White House always begins, and to spend two miles, at times jogging uphill, to take our case to the people of Iowa,” Pence told reporters.

In New Hampshire, Republican businessman Perry Johnson dodged rain storms to convey his 2024 presidential bid to the American people. “Politics is a sport in New Hampshire, if you don’t do well in New Hampshire you’re in trouble,” Johnson said.
 
Meanwhile, another longstanding tradition took place on New York’s Coney Island, despite a rain delay: Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut took the win, claiming his 16th victory.