Heat, storms threaten July 4 celebrations as floods loom in the Northeast

A heat wave across the Northeast and a swath of severe storms through the Midwest disrupted the July 4 holiday, with evacuations on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and fireworks timing shifted or canceled in several cities as flood watches covered about 34 million people. More than 501,000 utility customers were without power; New Jersey logged at least 25 suspected heat-related deaths, Atlantic City hit 105°F, and a Geneva Lake boat accident in Wisconsin left three children dead. Forecasters warned the turbulent weather could persist into the week, complicating celebrations across much of the country.