Updated Weather Forecast for Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest as Joey Chestnut Eyes Repeat on July 4

After a triumphant return to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest last year, Joey Chestnut will be defending his title on Independence Day during a heat wave.

According to Weather.com, the projected forecast for Saturday, July 4, is a high of 99 degrees. There will also be "increasing clouds with thunderstorms developing later in the day," and the storms "may contain strong gusty winds."

NBC New York reported that an extreme heat warning is in effect for the entire New York City area except Long Island heading into the Fourth of July weekend. Temperatures reportedly "are expected to reach 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday," and the humidity "will push 'feels like' temps into the 105-110 range."

The report added, "Thursday and Friday will probably be the most extreme days, with only slight improvements by Saturday, the July Fourth holiday." The heat index for this weekend is expected to be "dangerous, if not deadly, to people with prolonged exposure or undergoing strenuous activity."

That doesn't bode well for Chestnut and the rest of the competitors in the Hot Dog Eating Contest, as they typically compete under the sun in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The men's championship is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET, which is when temperatures will reach scorching levels.

Chestnut was banned from competing in 2024 due to a sponsorship conflict, but he returned to reclaim the throne in 2025 with 70.5 hot dogs and buns consumed in 10 minutes. The competitive eating legend is the frontrunner for another title, but he will have to contend with dangerous temperatures this time around.