2025’s Independence Day will remembered as a scorcher. Throughout Waukesha County, average temperatures were around 86 degrees. Early morning showers left the ground slick with rain, contributing to a humidity that reach 61% by mid day. There was very little wind and no evening storms were recorded- Which proved good for fireworks, but lended to the area’s heat.
Early July is when temperatures truly begin to rise across Wisconsin. Historically, there is almost always a risk of showers and storms late in the day, as air mixes and rises. The average temperature for 4th of July celebrations over the past five years lands at 81 degrees.
Despite this, the Waukesha 4th of July Parade was cancelled. The cancellation was attributed to the climate, as City of Waukesha posted on their official X page that
“Due to the weather coming and recommendation from the National Weather Service, the Waukesha 4th of July parade is CANCELLED.
We hope everyone still has a fun and safe 4th of July!”
On Facebook, the City of Waukesha added to their announcement by stating that
“Unfortunately, the parade will not be rescheduled. This event requires significant planning, coordination, and participation from many individuals and organizations, making it difficult to replicate at a later date.”
The last time the Independence Day parade was cancelled in Waukesha was in 2020. Due to social distancing precautions, the city held a ‘reverse parade’, in which residents would drive along a route of stationary parade units. This was an attempt by the city to maintain its tradition of celebrating the 4th of July despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
The parade has taken place since at least 1939, as archival photos have been found dating that far back. The city was founded in 1896, and many residents find the parade to be a crucial part of the city’s history. Other nearby areas, such as Oconomowoc, Brookfield, Pewaukee, and Delafied, still held their parades on July 4th. That evening, many local fireworks displays still took place, including in Elm Grove and North Lake.
However, Nagawicka Lake Fireworks in Delafield announced in a Facebook post on July 5 that their Saturday fireworks display would be cancelled, stating
“Hello everyone. After consulting with the Lake Country Fire and Rescue, the National Weather Service, and the fireworks company, we are moving the fireworks to tomorrow night to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. We will see everyone tomorrow night!”
