A dangerous heat wave disrupted July Fourth celebrations on Friday as searing temperatures scorched the eastern United States.

Across the country, "numerous daily temperature records are expected today and Independence Day, with some consecutive-day, monthly, and all-time records possible," the National Weather Service said.

Peak heat indices could reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celcius) in parts of the country.

The heat comes as the US gears up to celebrate on Saturday the 250th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain. 

Heat disrupts America's 250th birthday celebrations

Dozens of parades, concerts and ‌fireworks displays have been cancelled or postponed due to sizzling temperatures.

The Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC — President Donald Trump's flagship event to mark the 250th birthday — was temporarily closed on Friday afternoon as temperatures reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Event cancellations have been reported in at least seven states.

In Philadelphia, the Salute to Independence parade was called off after temperatures reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, tying a record high that has stood since 1901.

Authorities warned the heat wave could become deadly, urging those celebrating the Fourth of July weekend outdoors to seek shade, drink water and be alert for signs of heat-related illness. 

Trump uses Independence Day speech to warn of 'communism' in US

President Trump marked the 250th anniversary of American independence with a speech at Mount Rushmore, during which he warned "communism is a mortal threat to American liberty."

He called it a greater danger than World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or 9/11.

"There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success," he said.

He has repeatedly used this line of attack over the past week, after four progressive candidates, including three democratic socialists, won competitive Democratic primaries in New York City last week and in Colorado on Tuesday. Progressive candidates have also won contests in Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Trump's speech stood out for its setting, a national park honoring some of the United States' most prominent presidents, and for breaking from the traditionally unifying tone of past Independence Day addresses by Republican presidents such as Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.

Edited by: Rana Taha

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