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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said extreme heat in the nation's capital on July 4 won't stop him from giving his big speech.In fact, despite triple-digit temperatures in the forecast, the famously long-winded Trump is promising to give lengthy remarks ahead of a historic fireworks celebration that will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence."By the way, on July 4, it's going to be approximately 107 degrees outside, and I'm going to go, and I'm going to make a really long speech just to show that I can do anything," Trump said on July 1 at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.Trump exaggerated the forecast slightly.The National Weather Service forecast projects a high of 101 degrees in Washington on Saturday, July 4. It's expected to cap a three-day stretch of temperatures above 100 degrees beginning Thursday, July 2. The heat index could soar above 110 degrees, which can make individuals susceptible to sunstroke, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.Trump's speech at the National Mall isn't scheduled to begin until 9:45 p.m. ET, however, when temperatures will be a bit cooler than the day's high.Trump's remarks will follow a "Salute to America" program that is set to begin on the National Mall at 7 p.m. ET. Because of the program and Trump's speech, the fireworks aren't scheduled to begin until 10:30 p.m., later than Fourth of July celebrations from past years.Organizers from Freedom 250, the Trump-aligned group that is organizing the festivities, say the fireworks ‒ which will be launched from 10 sites ‒ will be the "largest fireworks display in history."Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
