Heat Wave Hits Much Of U.S. For Holiday Weekend

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Gaining freedom from the heat will be a challenge this Independence Day in the eastern U.S., and it's already starting ahead of the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service says dangerous, record-breaking heat will continue across much of the central and eastern United States on Thursday and Friday and will continue along the East Coast through the weekend. With humidity making it feel hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sweat will be dampening spirits at many celebrations marking 250 years of American independence. In Philadelphia, officials shortened the route of a Thursday morning parade, canceled an afternoon all-American Block Party, and pushed back the start times of an evening picnic and concert at Independence Mall.