Finding freedom from the heat on July 4 will be a challenge in US

Heat as oppressive as British colonial rule is bearing down on the eastern US heading into the long Fourth of July weekend, prompting some communities to cancel, postpone or otherwise alter their Independence Day plans.

Dangerous, record-breaking heat will continue across much of the central and eastern US through Friday and will continue along the East Coast through the weekend, the National Weather Service said Thursday. Temperatures in the high 90s Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) were forecast for the Northeast; Philadelphia and Boston could top 100.

Humidity is expected to make it feel even hotter, all but ensuring that sweat will dampen spirits at many celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.

“Anywhere you go in southern New England, you will be dealing with dangerous heat today, tomorrow and Saturday,” said Bryce Williams, a meteorologist with the weather service.

In Boston, entrance to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will start at 4 p.m. instead of noon on Saturday because of the heat.

In Philadelphia, officials shortened the route of a Thursday morning parade, canceled an afternoon all-American Block Party back the start times of an evening picnic and concert at Independence Mall.

A heat dome — high-pressure systems above a region that trap heat and humidity — has been smothering parts of the US, from the Midwest to the East Coast. Beyond the holiday festivities, officials in many communities are taking steps to keep residents safe, including opening cooling centres.

In Boston, several air-conditioned museums are offering free admission to city residents, and in Providence, Rhode Island, city pools and waterparks have extended their hours.

-AP