America's 250th celebrations in Philadelphia despite extreme heat | Live updates

Due to the oppressive heat and humidity predicted for this Saturday, July 4th, the Haddon Township parade has been canceled, township officials said.

"This was a difficult choice, but ensuring the health and safety of our participants and spectators alike is our highest priority," a statement reads.

The statement went on to say that Crystal Lake Pool will be open and free to all Haddon Twp. residents, their extended family, friends and guests.

The 'Happy Birthday America Celebration' will still take place with fireworks at the HTHS stadium. Gates open at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd.

A Heat Health Emergency has been declared in Philadelphia by the city's health department ahead of this week's forecasted extreme high temperatures.

The emergency begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1 through 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Officials say it could be extended if the forecast worsens.

For the latest forecast, visit 6abc.com/Weather.

"As Philadelphia welcomes the world and celebrates our nation's 250th anniversary, I want every resident and visitor alike to know that there are places across our city to cool off and find relief from the heat," saidMayor Cherelle L. Parker.

A declaration of a Heat Health Emergency activates the City's emergency heat programs, which include the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's (PCA) Heatline, cooling centers, home visits by special field teams, enhanced daytime outreach for people experiencing homelessness.

It also serves as a reminder for the public to safely check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors from a distance.

For more information on the city's resources to help during the extreme heat, CLICK HERE.

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."