As Donald Trump‘s 79th birthday coincides with huge Army celebrations, the US President is expected to attend a major parade on Saturday. However, plans could be scuppered by a spell of bad weather – surely disappointing the president, who said the parade would be “an unforgettable celebration”. Over 6,000 soldiers, 50 helicopters, seven bands and an astronaut calling in from space are among the festivites planned, according to The Times.

The president, whose brand has long been associated with extravagant opulence, is hoping to ring in a new year with a huge military parade in Washington DC – with the June 14 date also marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. A senior military figure has shed doubt on the plans, however, warning that disruptive weather forecasts could see the celebration cancelled altogether. “Rain won’t stop us, the tanks don’t melt, but if there’s lightning that puts the crowds at risk… they will disperse the crowd and even cancel or postpone the parade,” Steve Warren, chief US army spokesperson, told the news outlet.

“It will depend on the president, too.” Mr Warren added. “When he’s available.”

Current forecasts for the US capital predict thunderstorms late on Saturday afternoon and during the evening – potentially clashing with the large-scale parade, which is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Trump has promised that the festivities will be an “unforgettable celebration, one like you’ve never seen before”.

He also pledged to meet a fresh wave of pro-migration protests planned for Saturday “with very big force”.

Demonstrations have broken out across major cities over the last week following a series of raids on migrants – with the National Guard deployed to Los Angeles after protests escalated last weekend.

The parade is estimated to cost between £18million ($25million) and £33million ($45million), which Trump described as “peanuts compared to the value of doing it”.

“It’s June in Washington DC. We get thunderstorms,” Mr Warren said. “You could delay it, you could look at it and say, ‘this is just passing through’. Or say, ‘hey, this is a storm which gets bigger for a while’.”