Organizers canceled the "Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade" in Philadelphia on Friday due to extreme heat. Welcome America Inc. announced the cancellation, a decision the city of Philadelphia reposted on X.
"Due to the extreme heat, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is cancelled," the post stated. The parade had been planned to feature floats and marching bands.
Temperatures in Philadelphia were forecast to reach as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, which could have been the hottest temperature recorded at Philadelphia International Airport since July 3, 1966. The National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly noted this forecast in a post on X.
Philadelphia's Department of Public Health stated that the city's "Heat Health Emergency" was extended through 8 p.m. Sunday.
Michael DelBene, president and CEO of Welcome America Inc., said the organization's primary concern is public safety. "As much as this decision pains everyone inside our organization, we simply cannot host an event of this size and scale under these dangerous heat conditions," DelBene said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. "Todd Marcocci and Under the Sun Productions, along with all the parade groups, have been working tirelessly to design something truly historic, and having to cancel it at the last minute is heartbreaking for all of us."
He added, "While large-scale celebrations and community events may be our mission, our first responsibility will always be to the safety and security of our staff, our guests, and our event participants."