PLEASE NOTE: Due to this week's extreme heat, times and dates of Fourth of July events are subject to change. Be sure to confirm details with event organizers before heading out.
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Organizers are making changes to Fourth of July events being held in Annapolis this weekend due to the scorching temperatures impacting the region.
Latest forecasts show Marylanders will see heat index values of up to 111 degrees on Thursday, with 112 degrees expected for Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Sweltering triple-digit temperatures will linger into the holiday weekend, as residents are likely to see showers and a thunderstorm by Sunday.
Related: Dangerous Heat To Scorch MD, Storm Chances Return: July 4 Weekend Forecast
An extreme heat watch is in effect Saturday morning through Saturday evening for areas east of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The City of Annapolis announced Thursday that the Independence Day parade would still be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m., but that the route would be shortened "for the safety of the parade participants and viewers."
Moving forward, the parade will step off from Amos Garrett Boulevard and continue down West Street before making a left onto Calvert Street to St. John's Street.
An air-conditioned cooling bus will be provided near the intersection of Amos Garrett Boulevard and Constitution Ave.
While the parade remains on the weekend schedule, the same cannot be said for the festival planned at the People's Park on Calvert Street.
Organizers said the “One Country, Many Cultures: Storytelling & Oral Histories” event is being rescheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Should further weather impact the event, the festivities will be moved indoors at the Stanton Community Center, according to officials.
Residents can stay aware of the latest Fourth of July changes by texting "JULY4" to 38276.
The extreme heat conditions have prompted the city to activate five cooling centers in the region that include weekend hours. They include:
Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center
273 Hilltop Lane
*The building will be closed except for the cooling center area.
American Legion Post 141
1707 Forest Drive
Annapolis Senior Activity Center
119 S. Villa Avenue
Officials will also be opening the Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool at Truxtun Park at no charge in two-hour increments on the following days:
The pool openings will also be based on available capacity.
Residents can stay aware of the latest city alerts by signing up for texts, calls or emails at online or texting “ANNAPOLIS” to 38276.
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