Live updates: Philadelphia celebrates July 4th and America's 250th birthday

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Last updated: Thursday, July 2, 2026 9:39PM GMT
Heat impacting Fourth of July events in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The birthplace of the nation is getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday as festivities kick into high gear in Philadelphia.

Events are already underway, including patriotic displays and parades in the city, with concerts, fireworks and many more festivities still to come.

This, as an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for the entire Philadelphia region.

Temperatures in the city are expected to be around 100 degrees through Saturday.

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

Meanwhile, ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
WPVI logo
Jul 02, 2026, 3:11 PM GMT

Disney Celebrates America

ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."

The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, will feature coverage across all 50 states, beginning July 3 and running through July 4.

"Disney Celebrates America," will include a 24-hour multiplatform broadcast led by "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir that will take viewers across all 50 states beginning July 3 through July 4.

The coverage kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3 with an unforgettable landmark, artistic event transforming the public's experience of the Statue of Liberty with the Consulate General of France and Muir taking viewers along for a rare look inside of Lady Liberty.

For more, click HERE.

6abc Digital Staff Image
Jul 02, 2026, 5:01 PM GMT

Philadelphia Health Department extends Heat Health Emergency

The Heat Health Emergency that was declared for Philadelphia this week has been extended.

The emergency began at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1 and will now run until 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

It was originally scheduled to end on Saturday, but officials said it was extended due to continued dangerously high heat index values.

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.

6abc Digital Staff Image
Jul 02, 2026, 5:01 PM GMT

Bucks County declares Excessive Heat Warning, opens cooling centers

An Excessive Heat Warning is now in effect across Bucks County, Pennsylvania through 6 p.m. on July 4.

To provide relief from the forecasted extreme heat, cooling centers will be open for seniors and people experiencing homelessness.

These cooling centers are available to provide relief from the extreme heat. County officials urge residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this time.

The following cooling centers will be available:

Benjamin H Wilson Senior Center
580 Delmont Ave, Warminster, PA 18974
Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
215-672-8380

Bensalem Senior Citizens Center
1850 Byberry Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Wednesday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
215-638-7720

Bristol Borough Senior Center
301 Wood Street, Bristol, PA 19007
Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
215-788-9238

Bristol Township Senior Center
2501 Bath Rd, Bristol, PA 19007
Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Middletown Township Municipal Building - Public Hall
3 Municipal Wy, Langhorne, PA 19047
Wednesday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Middletown Senior Center - Library
2142 Trenton Rd, Levittown, PA 19056
Wednesday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Newtown Fire Rescue Station 45
14 Liberty Street, Newtown, PA 18940
Wednesday - Thursday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Newtown Township Adm Building
100 Municipal Drive, Newtown, PA 18940
Wednesday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Nockamixon Township Building
589 Lakeside Warren Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Wednesday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Pennridge FISH Org, Inc - Annex bldg. (rear/side entrance) adults only
812 W Chestnut St, Perkasie, PA 18944
Wednesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
215-257-7616

Quakertown Masonic Lodge - First Floor
501 W Broad St, Quakertown, PA 18951
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Riegelsville Borough Hall
615 Easton Road, Riegelsville, PA 18077
Wednesday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
610-749-2726

Ringing Rocks Family Campground
75 Woodland Dr, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Wednesday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
610-982-5552

Yardley Borough Rec. Room near rear
56 South Main St. Yardley Pa, 19067
Wednesday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.

YMCA - Fairless Hills
601 S. Oxford Valley Road, Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Wednesday - Friday, 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday - Closed Sunday, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
215-949-3400

YMCA - Warminster
624 York Rd, Warminster Township, PA 18974
Wednesday - Friday, 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday - Closed Sunday, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
267-387-9622

6abc Digital Staff Image
Jul 02, 2026, 5:01 PM GMT

July 3 events schedule change in Haddonfield, NJ

Officials in Haddonfield, New Jersey have made some schedule changes for their Independence Day events on July 3 due to anticipated high temperatures.

The Independence Day Parade will kick off as scheduled at 10 a.m.

However, due to the extreme heat in the forecast, the Block Party and Drone Show scheduled for 5 p.m. are postponed.

Officials will announce a new date soon.

Updates will be shared through Borough communication channels as they become available.