Just like festivities everywhere else, cool drizzly weather kept the usual crowds from Renton’s Fourth of July celebration Sunday.

The drizzle stopped just in time for the fireworks show at 10 p.m. on Lake Washington; but as soon as the show was over, some of the heaviest rains of the day hit.

The high Sunday at Renton Municipal Airport was 65 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. It was 57 degrees during the fireworks display.

Just a couple days have made a huge difference in the weather outlook. Temperatures will continue to rise from 78 degrees forecast for today, to 88 degrees Wednesday and 92 degrees on Thursday. The temperatures are forecast to cool off a bit through the weekend but will still be in the 80s.

The American Red Cross is urging everyone to take precautions during the heat wave, including drinking plenty of fluids and checking on the elderly.

Typically, Renton’s Fabulous 4th of July, presented by The Landing, draws anywhere from 20,000 to 25,000 people over the course of the day.

This year, Sonja Mejlaender, the City of Renton’s special events coordinator, said several thousand people were at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.

All the “great features” were in place with the best of intentions of event organizers, said Mejlaender, including activities for kids and stage entertainment.

“We just missed the crowds,” she said. “It was disheartening.”

Where blankets typically lined the park’s grass edge to edge, there was plenty of room to toss a frisbee. Mejlaender pointed out the weather has been “fantastic” for years on the Fourth.

The next big community event is the IKEA Renton River Days July 23-25, a weekend packed with activities, she said, including new ones for kids.

Heat tips

Following are tips from the American Red Cross to beat the heat.

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy) and plenty of sunscreen. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to help shield you from the sun.

• Carry water or juice and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.

• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.

• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.

• Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, try to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4 and 7 a.m. Take regular breaks to cool off.

• Stay indoors as much as possible.

• Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.

• Watch for signs of life-threatening heat stroke. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

• Signals of heat stroke include hot, red, and usually dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.

• If you or someone you know experience symptoms, call 911 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

• Don’t forget to protect your pets.

• Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.

• Make sure your pet has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.

• Never leave a pet in a car – even for a few minutes.

• Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke, which is deadly for pets. Symptoms include sluggish and non-responsive demeanor, bright red and/or dry tongue and gums, vomiting or diarrhea or unusual breathing patter, heavy panting, or high heart rate. If your pet displays these symptoms, get emergency medical attention.