NPR News: 07-04-2026 7AM EDT

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Windsor Johnston· Host0:16

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. A dangerous heat wave is stretching across much of the country as millions of Americans are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July outdoors. In Washington, D.C., soaring temperatures disrupted events on the National Mall, where the Great American State Fair temporarily closed Friday afternoon after the extreme heat sickened some visitors. Among those caught up in the closure was Michelle Plummer, who traveled from Schenectady, New York.

Michelle Plummer· Soundbite0:48

We were right at the gate when they stopped letting people in. So, but that, um, we were like, "Oh, we'll go a little later. We'll avoid some of the heat." And, uh, and, um, they were starting to make the people come out, and they just said people were getting sick and passing out.

Windsor Johnston· Host1:01

The National Weather Service says dangerous temperatures will continue through the holiday weekend, making heat exhaustion a serious concern for anyone spending time outdoors. Researchers at an environmental nonprofit say the number of days with dangerously humid heat have doubled globally since the 1970s. Authors of a new analysis say that combination is creating a worldwide public health risk. Sarah Fenton from member station