Extreme heat warning to go into effect Wednesday for the Philadelphia region as July 4th approaches

Delaware County officials announced Tuesday that they are implementing a Code Red notification for an excessive heat forecast between Wednesday, July 1 and Saturday, July 4.

Health notifications are guided by temperature conditions, county officials said. Residents are advised to drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun, seek relief in air-conditioned spaces, check on neighbors, and never leave children or pets in cars.

Additional heat health information, recommendations, and resources for vulnerable populations can be found at delcopa.gov.

The city of Philadelphia is getting ready for the events planned to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary even as extreme heat forces some changes in plans.

Inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Monday, crews were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the floats for "The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade."

Philly's Independence Day Parade route cut short due to extreme heat

This year, the route was supposed to be expanded. It was set to take the floats, 42 marching bands, and other performers down the parkway to Logan Circle.

"The reality is that Mother Nature is Mother Nature," Todd Marcocci, the parade producer, told Action News. "From the get-go, in designing the original route, I had escape plans, shall we say."

Marcocci said the parade will now start at 5th and Chestnut, pass by Independence Hall, head up Market Street to City Hall, and end at Broad and Chestnut.

"The magic will still be well alive on the parade route," Marcocci said. "The tapestry of independence comes to life in this parade."

The hours at Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park have been changed due to the extreme heat forecast for the region.

Here are the new hours:

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Hours:

4:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Matches to be broadcast:

5:00 PM - France vs Sweden

9:00 PM - Mexico vs Ecuador

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Hours:

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Matches to be broadcast:

12:00 PM - England vs. DR Congo

4:00 PM - Belgium vs Senegal

8:00 PM - USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Hours:

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Match to be broadcast:

7:00 PM - Portugal vs Croatia

Friday, July 3, 2026

Hours:

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Match to be broadcast:

6:00 PM - Argentina vs Cape Verde

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Hours:

12:00 PM - Conclusion of 1 p.m. match

Match to be broadcast:

1:00 PM - W73 vs W75

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Hours:

3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Matches to be broadcast:

4:00 PM - W76 vs W78

8:00 PM - W79 vs W80

Norristown, Pennsylvania announced Tuesday that its July 4th parade has been canceled due to the extreme heat in the forecast.

No other July 4th festivities are impacted, city leaders said.

The full statement from Norristown is below:

After careful consideration, the municipal leaders have made the difficult decision to cancel its 4th of July Parade due to an excessive heat warning in effect for our area.

The decision to cancel the parade was made jointly by the municipal special event organizer, Norristown Fire Chief O'Donnell and Norristown Police Chief Michael B. Trail and in consultation with Municipal Council.

"The parade is one of our community's most beloved traditions, and we share in the disappointment of its cancelation, especially as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. With dangerous heat in the forecast, the safety of our families, our marchers, and our first responders must come first," said Interim Municipal Administrator Jayne Musonye.

The parade was set to kick off on July 4 at 1 p.m. from the downtown historic district with a grand marshal, community leaders and organizations, string band and more entertainment walking an almost two-mile route to Elmwood Park.

No other 4th of July festivities are being canceled.

The Party in the Park at Elmwood Park will go on as planned at 3 p.m. with food vendors, games, face painting, live music, and family fun throughout the afternoon and evening, capped off by the annual fireworks show around 9:15 p.m.

Municipal leaders thank would-be parade participants, residents and all other 4th of July stakeholders for their understanding and ask everyone to take care in the heat.

For the latest updates and event information, visit www.norristown.gov.