Independence Day festivities on Washington D.C.'s National Mall were disrupted by extreme heat and approaching thunderstorms on Saturday, forcing the evacuation of some revelers hours before President Donald Trump's scheduled July 4th speech and a planned fireworks spectacle.

Washington D.C. experienced a "real feel" temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit, with chairs on the National Mall reportedly reaching 160 degrees. The city remains under an extreme heat warning until 9 p.m. and a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 10 p.m. Thousands of attendees at the Great American State Fair and on the National Mall were instructed to evacuate and seek shelter.

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Organizers at the Salute to America event near the Washington Monument advised guests to take shelter in Smithsonian buildings. Cooling stations, tents, and water distribution points were established to help attendees cope with the heat. The opening of the Great American State Fair was delayed from 10 a.m. to noon due to the extreme temperatures.

IMAGE2 The Freedom 250-backed Great American State Fair celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States opened at noon today because of the extreme heat

IMAGE3 National Guard members were seen passing out waterbottles to guests in order to guard against the heat dome

President Trump, who is scheduled to speak at 9:45 p.m. and followed by fireworks at 10:30 p.m., commented on the heat via Truth Social, stating that the crowds were "INCREDIBLE" despite the temperatures, which he noted were "not as bad as predicted." He also commented on damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, promising it would be drained and fixed after the weekend.

IMAGE4 President Donald Trump is set to deliver a speech at 9.45pm today to mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence. He has suggested it will be a 'really long' one

The severe weather has impacted other July 4th celebrations. In Boston, thousands of revelers were evacuated from the city's esplanade due to storms. The National Independence Day Parade in D.C. was canceled on Friday night due to the heat.

On Friday alone, 44 people were treated for heat-related illnesses at the National Mall event, with 11 requiring hospitalization. Seven of those were reported to be in more serious condition.

IMAGE11 44 people were treated for heat-related illnesses at the Great American State Fair on Friday, with 11 taken to the hospital

The heat dome affecting the East Coast has also led to fatalities. New Jersey authorities reported at least 19 suspected heat-related deaths, many involving individuals in homes without air conditioning. Health officials described the heat wave as potentially life-threatening.

Philadelphia experienced its third consecutive day of 101-degree temperatures on Saturday, a record for the city. In New York City, high temperatures strained the electrical grid, prompting energy companies to ask some customers to conserve power. The CDC has noted increasing rates of heat-related illnesses in the Northeast. Temperatures are expected to decrease with the arrival of thunderstorms.

IMAGE5 Temperatures are expected to cool in DC and across the east coast tonight because of thunderstorms

IMAGE6 Washington DC had a real feel temperature of 107 on Saturday

IMAGE7 People from all over the US braved the blazing heat to celebrate America's 250th anniversary on the National Mall

IMAGE8 Trump is scheduled to speak at the Salute to America event on the National Mall at 9.45pm, followed by a massive firework display

IMAGE9 The heat caused the opening of the Great American State Fair to be delayed from 10am to noon today

IMAGE10 Washington DC is under an extreme heat warning until 9pm tonight, which is about 45 minutes before the beginning of Trump's Independence Day speech