SAVANNAH, Ga. () – With the 4th of July this week, it’s not just the fireworks we’re looking forward to, it’s the forecast that could make or break the show! Each year, communities across the country gather under the night sky for beautiful displays of color and sound and weather plays a huge role in how spectacular those fireworks actually appear. Let’s dive into the science and meteorology behind the magic.

How Are Fireworks Made?

Fireworks are a careful mix of explosive and non-explosive components, packed together in precise arrangements to create specific patterns, bursts, and colors. The brilliant hues you see in the sky come from different chemical elements:

• Strontium gives us reds
• Calcium gives us orange
• Copper produces blues
• Sodium makes yellows
• Barium provides greens
• Magnesium and aluminum create bright whites and silver sparks

Each element is chosen to burn at the right temperature and emit a specific color. That means anything that affects the atmosphere, like moisture or air movement, can affect how these colors appear. 

How Weather Can Dull a Fireworks Display

We all know rain and clouds are bad news for fireworks. But what about weather conditions we don’t usually think about, like humidity and wind? These also play key roles in how well a firework display performs.

Humidity: The Invisible Color Filter

Humidity, or the amount of water vapor in the air, directly impacts how light travels. On very humid nights, the air is full of water molecules. When the bright light from fireworks hits those molecules, the light scatters, making the colors appear duller and more muted.

• Low humidity = sharper, more vibrant colors
• High humidity = softer, duller colors

However, there’s a catch. Extremely low humidity increases fire danger, especially in dry regions. So the perfect mix? Moderately low humidity with no drought conditions.

Wind: Too Much or Too Little?

Wind is another key factor when it comes to fireworks.

• Strong winds can blow fireworks off course, which is not only dangerous but can cause damage to structures or buildings.
• No wind at all: Smoke from the fireworks can linger in the air, affecting the view and impacting air quality.

The ideal scenario: light winds, just enough to keep smoke moving away from the crowd without disturbing the fireworks’ path.

The Ideal Fireworks Forecast

So, what’s the perfect recipe for a great night of fireworks? Here’s what we’re hoping for this 4th of July:

• Clear sky: No cloud cover or fog to hide the display
• No rain: Keeps the equipment dry and safe
• Moderate to low humidity: For vibrant, brilliant colors
• Light, steady winds: For clean air and safe launches

All of these combined give us the ideal setup for a safe and Happy 4th of July!