As reported by AP News, this Independence Day saw millions of Americans celebrating with parades, fireworks, and gatherings amidst extreme weather conditions, including wildfires in Northern California, intense heat waves, and monsoon rains.
In Northern California, the Thompson Fire near Oroville in Butte County forced thousands of residents to evacuate earlier in the week.
By Thursday afternoon, containment had increased to 29%, allowing the majority of the 17,000 evacuated residents to return home.
The fire, which started on Tuesday, burned 5.9 square miles and threatened over 12,000 structures.
Four firefighters suffered heat-related injuries, and the cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
Oroville Mayor David Pittman highlighted the community’s resilience: “We do it ‘well,’ I guess, is the word to say.”
He noted that Oroville’s 20,000 residents have been supportive, offering shelter and meals to evacuees.
The southwestern U.S. experienced dramatic monsoon rains, transforming the summer landscape into a temporary winter scene with giant raindrops and hail before turning into red mud.
Todd Shoemake, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said: “A lot of the moisture that has been in place has been very high, very abnormally high.” This year’s monsoon brought much-needed moisture but also caused flash floods and mudslides in fire-ravaged areas.
A significant heat wave affected millions across the nation.
The National Weather Service issued heat warnings for the West, with some desert areas expecting temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
In Philadelphia, crowds gathered at historic sites despite temperatures in the 90s, while New York City residents enjoyed mild weather as they watched the Macy’s fireworks display from rooftops.
Despite the extreme weather, Fourth of July celebrations took place across the country.
Major fireworks displays were hosted in Washington, D.C., Boston, and New York City.
Highland Park, IL, held a parade on the second anniversary of a tragic mass shooting, with Mayor Nancy Rotering acknowledging the mixed emotions of the day.
Unique celebrations included the annual hot dog eating contest on Coney Island, where Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago and Miki Sudo of Florida emerged as champions.
In Alaska, the city of Seward’s midnight fireworks over Resurrection Bay provided a magical moment for thousands.
