America explodes into riot of color as July 4 fireworks light up night skies across the country

On July 4, America exploded in color as massive fireworks displays lit up the night sky across the country.

In honor of the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, millions of people celebrated with parades, barbecues and the expected colorful evening sky.

In Washington, the night above the National Mall was lit up with neon lights as embattled President Joe Biden looked on.

As New York City came to life with fireworks exploding over the Hudson River and lighting up behind the Empire State Building.

And in parades across the country, from Brattleboro, Vermont, to Waco, Texas, to Alameda, California, revelers dressed in red, white and blue and waved the Stars and Stripes to commemorate Independence Day.

Travel records were predicted to be smashed as people gathered at airports and on highways to attend festivities that for many would last a long weekend.

On Connecticut’s eastern shore, some beachgoers were turned away because parking lots at state parks were full.

Residents in the West were left reeling in sweltering heat after the NWS warned of a “significant and extremely dangerous” heat wave across much of the region.

Temperatures of over 120 degrees were expected in some places in the southwest desert, and the deep south and mid-Atlantic were also hot and humid.

Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display lights up the night sky as a backdrop for the Empire State Building

A view of the 48th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks in New York City, as seen from Weehawken on July 4, 2024 in Weehawken

A view of the 48th annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks in New York City, as seen from Weehawken on July 4, 2024 in Weehawken

A look at the Macy's fireworks display in New York City celebrating the 248th Independence Day of the United States, from Hoboken, New Jersey

A look at the Macy’s fireworks display in New York City celebrating the 248th Independence Day of the United States, from Hoboken, New Jersey

Fireworks erupted on the National Mall over the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC

Fireworks erupted on the National Mall over the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC

Fireworks light up the sky over Coors Field to celebrate Independence Day after the Colorado Rockies defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in a baseball game on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Denver

Fireworks light up the sky over Coors Field to celebrate Independence Day after the Colorado Rockies defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in a baseball game on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Denver

Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas after the match between FC Dallas and the Portland Timbers

Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas after the match between FC Dallas and the Portland Timbers

The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performs during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade in Boston

The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performs during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade in Boston

Images taken in Penascola show fireworks being set off as the nation celebrated Independence Day

Images taken in Penascola show fireworks being set off as the nation celebrated Independence Day

Fireworks light up the sky over Lower Broadway during the Let Freedom Sing! Music City 4th of July event in Nashville, Tennessee

Fireworks light up the sky over Lower Broadway during the Let Freedom Sing! Music City 4th of July event in Nashville, Tennessee

The Bridgewater 4th of July fireworks extravaganza was held at Legion Field in New Jersey

The Bridgewater 4th of July fireworks extravaganza was held at Legion Field in New Jersey

A view of a couple watching the 48th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks display in New York City, as seen from Weehawken New Jersey

A view of a couple watching the 48th annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display in New York City, as seen from Weehawken New Jersey

A view of the 48th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks in New York City, as seen from The Edge observation deck

A view of Macy’s 48th annual Fourth of July fireworks in New York City, as seen from The Edge observation deck