The Independence Day fireworks display on the National Mall will begin later than usual, last nearly twice as long and feature what organizers say will be the largest fireworks show ever staged, as the Trump administration seeks to mark the nation's 250th anniversary with a record-setting celebration, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

Officials with Freedom 250, the public-private partnership aligned with President Donald Trump that is overseeing much of the semiquincentennial programming, said the July 4 fireworks will not begin until after 10:30 p.m. and could start as late as 11 p.m. The display is expected to last about 40 minutes.

In most years, the National Mall fireworks begin shortly before 9:30 p.m. and run between 17 and 25 minutes.

No official explanation has been given for the delayed start. Trump has described the evening as a "rally" and has said he plans to begin speaking at 9 p.m. Organizers have also said the expanded schedule reflects the administration's effort to break the Guinness World Record for the world's largest fireworks display.

"This isn't just another Independence Day. It's America's 250th," Danielle Alvarez, an adviser to Freedom 250, said in a statement. "And history only comes around once."

The late start has drawn criticism from some attendees and social media users, particularly because organizers have urged visitors to arrive early despite forecasts calling for temperatures above 100 degrees, The Washington Post reported. Additional complaints centered on restrictions prohibiting coolers, lawn chairs, bags and more than one bottle of water on the National Mall.

A Freedom 250 spokesperson said four free hydration stations will be available on the Mall.

"We're closely monitoring conditions and will keep adjusting as needed to make sure everyone stays safe and has a great time," the spokesperson said.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser also urged visitors to take precautions against the extreme heat.

"The thing to remember, especially with this heat, is that it's a long, long day," Bowser said during a Monday news conference on Independence Day security preparations. "I'm expecting ... that families with small children are going to decide that the children should watch on TV or watch at a neighborhood event."

The record attempt would eclipse the current Guinness World Record of approximately 810,000 fireworks, set during a New Year's celebration in the Philippines in 2016. That display lasted just over an hour.

Stephen Vitale, chief executive of Pennsylvania-based Pyrotecnico, said the company plans to launch more than 850,000 fireworks from 10 locations, including West Potomac Park, the Reflecting Pool and barges on the Potomac River.

Vitale said weather conditions will be critical to the show's success, with organizers hoping for a light breeze to disperse smoke and improve visibility.

A typical Fourth of July fireworks display on the National Mall includes about 20,000 fireworks, he said, making this year's production roughly 10 times larger than any previous display his company has staged in Washington.

While the record attempt is expected to draw worldwide attention, Vitale said organizers hope the spectacle will be remembered for more than its size.

"Size always helps, but it's about the beauty and the memories that people will have for generations," Vitale said. "Fireworks are magical to people, and we help people walk away believing that's the best fireworks display that they have seen or ever will see."