Forecast for Trump’s July Fourth celebration: Chance of storms

Stormy weather could play spoiler for people hoping to catch a glimpse of President Trump’s Fourth of July celebration in the nation’s capital, but the show will go on rain or shine.

The forecast for Thursday shows mostly cloudy skies for much of the day and there is a good chance for thunderstorms throughout the region, although it is way too early to tell when and where they may pop up. Some areas may get hit hard while other spots may stay completely dry. The Washington Post‘s Capital Weather Gang says the chance of any particular location getting hit by a storm is 30% to 40%.

[WATCH: Trump’s July Fourth celebration]

A little above the historic average for this time of year, temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s during the day. The humid heat will feed the potential for thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, which could impede some of the planned events, such as fireworks and people’s commute. The National Weather Service says there is a 60% chance of precipitation throughout the day. The evening is expected to be cooler, with a low temperature in the mid-70s.

The Washington Examiner reached out to the Interior Department for details on whether there is a plan to deal with stormy weather. “We fully expect tomorrow’s events celebrating Independence Day on the National Mall to take place rain or shine. Visitor safety is always a top priority and we are working with our interagency and law enforcement colleagues to ensure the safety of all who attend, including in the event of inclement weather during the day,” said DOI spokesperson Molly Block in an email.

Block also referred visitors to follow the National Park Service for updates and the D.C. government is encouraging people to sign up for free alerts about weather, traffic, and safety with their mobile devices.

Trump’s “Salute to America” event is scheduled to feature fireworks, music, flyovers, tanks, and a speech from the president himself at the Lincoln Memorial.

The day’s festivities begin at 11:45 a.m. with the National Independence Day Parade, taking place until 2 p.m. from Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street to 17th Street NW.

The main event, the “Salute to America” at the Lincoln Memorial, begins at 6:30 p.m., during which the Interior Department says “Trump honors America’s armed forces with music, military demonstrations, flyovers and much more. Participants include the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”), the Armed Forces Chorus, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, and many others. Gates open at 3 p.m.”

Afterwards and separate from Trump’s event, “A Capitol Fourth,” which includes fireworks and a free concert, will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Beginning at 8 p.m., the event will be hosted by actor John Stamos, and according to the Interior Department will feature “an all-star salute to America’s 243rd birthday with performances by Grammy Award-winning music legend Carole King, multi-platinum recording artist Vanessa Williams, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, the National Symphony Orchestra, a special appearance by the Sesame Street Muppets, and much more!”

The fireworks display over the National Mall will take place between 9:07 p.m. and 9:42 p.m.; they will be launched from West Potomac Park and behind the Lincoln Memorial.

There has been some controversy surrounding Trump’s “Salute to America,” including concerns about politicizing the holiday, costs, and what damage military tanks might cause to D.C. streets, but the president has dismissed the criticisms and said it will be “the show of a lifetime.” There will also be protest events taking place, including the appearance of the diaper-clad “baby Trump” blimp on the National Mall.

The National Park Service is playing up the fireworks display as being of historic proportions.

“I think it’s safe to say without much exaggeration that this is going to be the largest fireworks show D.C. has ever seen,” NPS spokesman Mike Litterst said.