With rounds of rain continually drenching the mid-Atlantic recently and a stormy week on tap for the Midwest, some may be wondering if weather has the potential to affect their July 4th festivities.

Unless the conditions are really drenching, fireworks can still be shot in the rain. The firework materials are placed in water-proof bags inside of tightly sealed canisters that allow the explosion to take place before they get too wet. Many communities are still able to hold their firework displays in the rain, provided the viewers don't mind getting a little wet.

Where danger comes in, however, is if the rain is accompanied by a thunderstorm or lightning. On average, 54 people a year die from lightning strikes, most of which occur because people try to stay out in a storm rather than cancel outdoor plans. It's important for people to heed warnings and head indoors if a thunderstorm starts to roll though, no matter what kind of activities you are taking part in.

Factors that can have an impact on the displays themselves range from pressure, to temperature, to wind. Fireworks release smoke when they go off, which is why the right weather is needed for a clear display. A temperature inversion, for example, can create an obstructed view of fireworks. Typically, temperatures decrease as you get higher into the atmosphere. The suns heat is concentrated on the ground, sending warm air up. The heat then starts to dissipate as it gets too high, resulting in cooler temperatures away from the Earth's surface.

Stormy Week to Unfold Across Midwest US

Moonwalking Michael Jackson Mirage Appears in Lightning-Illuminated Cloud

Heat Wave, Wildfire Threat to Last Into July for Western US

In a temperature inversion, the warm air actually sits on top of cool air. Inversions typically happen at night, as the ground temperatures quickly cool once the sun goes down. This creates cooler air at the surface underneath the warmer air. As a result, a cap in the atmosphere forms that traps the smoke and can reduce the visibility of the show. High pressure systems will keep air inversions in place for longer periods of time.

Wind will also impact the smoke in a fireworks display. Wind is needed to help blow the smoke away, preferably not in the direction of your crowds. Too much wind, however, can create a fire hazard. It's a delicate balancing act to have ideal conditions for the perfect show.

Even if the wind and temperatures are right for clearing smoke your view, firework displayed can still be affected by humidity. The higher the humidity, the more saturated the air, and the more saturated the air, the duller the colors in your fireworks will be.

Too much light can also downplay the vibrancy of fireworks. Typically when people think of too much light affecting the skies the think of heavy city light pollution. In the case of fireworks, however, natural lights can also cause a disturbance. A bright, full moon can add light to firework displays that can affect their visibility. New moons created the right sky for fireworks, giving a dark background to really allow the colors to pop.

There are a lot of factors that go into creating perfect firework conditions. The most important thing to keep in mind this Independence Day, however, are the factors you can control when it comes to your firework displays. To keep you, your friends and your family safe, always observe proper firework safety instructions. Injuries, explosions, burns and fires are not risks worth taking.

While the weather may not cooperate to give you the peak conditions for a fireworks show, being safe is the best way to enjoy the show.

Report a Typo