Thunderstorms expected to disrupt Trump’s planned military parade.

Possible thunderstorms are in the forecast as the military parade honoring the United States Army’s 250th birthday is set to take place in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, coinciding with former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. The event is scheduled to commence at 6:30 p.m., with tanks, soldiers, and military equipment parading along a six-block stretch of the National Mall. Following the procession, attendees can expect a musical performance and a fireworks display slated for 9:45 p.m.

Festivities will kick off earlier in the day with a ceremony led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Arlington National Cemetery at 8:15 a.m., recognizing the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. The National Weather Service has predicted that Saturday may start with light drizzle, transitioning to rain showers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is also a likelihood of thunderstorms later in the day, particularly around 4 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. Temperatures are expected to peak at approximately 83 degrees, and Sunday may begin with continued storm activity.

As the day unfolds, it appears that the parade could proceed under mostly dry conditions despite the potential for overcast skies and damp weather. Military officials indicate that a total of 6,700 soldiers will participate, including approximately 400 troops from the New York Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division. The parade will feature a significant display of military might, including 28 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 24 horses, and eight marching bands, with 50 aircraft, including combat helicopters, flying overhead.

The financial implications of this grand display are substantial, with Army estimates projecting the total cost, which includes approximately million in road repairs, to be around million.

In parallel to the events in Washington, D.C., there will be numerous “No Kings Day” protests occurring across the nation, designed as a counter to what critics describe as a spectacle meant to project strength. Organizers have intentionally chosen not to hold demonstrations in the capital itself, with planned gatherings in locations such as Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

This military celebration occurs amidst significant political tensions, as the Trump administration finds itself engaged in a legal battle over the deployment of National Guard and Marine troops in Los Angeles to confront anti-immigrant deportation protesters. California officials have deemed these actions both unnecessary and illegal, underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding the day’s events.

As the country reflects on its military history and the ongoing debates about governance, the contrasting narratives of celebration and dissent will undoubtedly shape the public discourse in the days to come.