Weather News

Cary changes Fourth of July plans due to dangerous heat wave

Fireworks in Cary are at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Fireworks in Cary are at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • A dangerous heat wave will bring triple‑digit temps and a 107° heat index on July 4.
  • Cary moved its July 4 event to 6 p.m. and curtailed performances due to the heat.
  • Lake Benson Boathouse will open only 7 a.m.–noon July 3–5; last boats leave at 11 a.m.

A dangerous heat wave is causing some local organizations to alter plans, including some celebrations for the Fourth of July.

The heat wave, which began Thursday, will bring triple digit temperatures with a heat index of 107 degrees on July 4.

“It’s definitely a not great time to be having a heat wave with all the outdoor activities that we’re having,” said Laura Helock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Raleigh Office. “Even overnight temperatures are expected to be relatively high, so that won’t help cool down much during the night.”

Send cancellations or changes to metroeds@newsobserver.com. This story will be updated.

Canceled or altered events

Cary’s Independence Day Celebration: Doors will now open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, instead of at 3:30 p.m. as originally scheduled.

Performances are now limited to the Scouts of America presenting the colors, the NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green sharing a poem written for the 250th anniversary and the “Well, I Declare: America at 250.” All the food trucks originally scheduled for the event will still be there. The after party will still include a DJ and raffle.

“The North Carolina Symphony is sorry that we will be unable to perform at the Cary Presents Independence Day Celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 4, due to the forecast of record-breaking heat,” according to a town news release. “This marks the first time we have been unable to participate in this cherished community tradition because of extreme heat.”

Lake Benson Boathouse: The Lake Benson Boathouse will only be open from 7 a.m. - noon July 3-5 due to the extreme heat. The last boats will go out at 11 a.m., according to the town of Garner.

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Anna Roman
The News & Observer
Anna Roman is a service journalism reporter for the News & Observer. She has previously covered city government, crime and business for newspapers across North Carolina and received many North Carolina Press Association awards, including first place for investigative reporting. 
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