Millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day with a record amount of travel despite heat warnings across the country.
July 4 was marked for many with beach parties, cookouts and firework displays while celebrations are set to continue into the weekend.
The American Automobile Association predicted a record number of people will hit roads and airports during the week between June 29 through July 7. The projected 70 million journeys will at least be largest number since the pandemic if realised.
“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale of AAA Travel.
But celebrations came amid intense heat in parts of the US.
Across the west, residents dealt with a “significant and extremely dangerous” heat wave across much of the region.
Some spots in the desert southwest were expecting temperatures topping 49C, and hot, muggy conditions also permeated the ‘deep south’ and middle Atlantic.
On the east coast, meanwhile, some would-be beachgoers in Connecticut were turned away as parking at state parks filled to capacity, including a two mile stretch at Hammonasset Beach State Park, the state’s largest shoreline beach.
A heat advisory in Philadelphia that came with temperatures tipping into the 90s didn’t stop crowds from gathering at historic sites in the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
Outside the National Constitution Center, volunteer actors dressed in Revolutionary War-era costumes made of heavy wool, despite the heat, and participants said it was worth it.
“It keeps you connected to your neighbourhood and where you live,” said Adrian Mercado, who donned a 6th Pennsylvania Regiment uniform.
Evening fireworks were scheduled over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, after a concert by Ne-Yo and Kesha.
In New York City, Macy’s annual fireworks show fired off thousands of projectiles from the Hudson River, lighting up the skylines of Manhattan, Hoboken, and Jersey City.
From Queens, bright golden and orange exploding orbs could be seen silhouetting the Empire State Building, itself lit up in red, white and blue. Mild weather brought residents to their rooftops, where many lit their own fireworks.
“This is how we celebrate. It’s the bombs bursting in air. It’s the rockets’ red glare. That’s how people show their pride and patriotism,” said Julie Heckman of the American Pyrotechnics Association.
