Tropical Storm Arthur Is Coming For Your Fireworks

The whole East Coast has its fingers crossed that Tropical Storm Arthur won't rain on its Fourth of July parade. Or, at least not its annual fireworks spectacle. As Arthur moves its way up the East Coast, the clock is ticking on if the weather will improve in time to continue the tradition. While you're dreaming of barbecues and pool time, Arthur may have a Netflix day planned for you instead.

The storm is creeping up from the south, threatening to turn into a hurricane as it bumps through North Carolina. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, the storm is expected to block in a cold front coming in from the west. While a cold-front wall sounds like the kind of weather you want for your July 4 weekend, the block will bring rain and a threat of flooding. If the storm passes and the front moves forward, the weather may start improving in time for beach-front fireworks.

Still, meteorologists are skeptical about giving a clear forecast. “In a nutshell, it will be wet Thursday and Friday and sunny and nice on Saturday,” National Weather Service meteorologist Jeffrey Tongue told Bloomberg Businessweek.

CNN reports that the massive fireworks show over the reflecting pool in Washington D.C. will likely be spared as the storm swings back out of range.

Still, there is at least a small threat of rain throughout the holiday weekend for most of the East Coast. And while showers may dampen your spirits, it actually provides safe conditions for shooting off fireworks. The wet grass provides a safety net for potential fires.

According to Pains Fireworks, the main risk is to the fireworks themselves. Fuses are extremely susceptible to wet conditions, and can be easily ruined if exposed to damp conditions. Accuweather.com reports shooting off fireworks in the rain is perfectly safe, but storms with heavy lightning should be approached with caution.

Drought may not be a problem on the East Coast, but in my homeland of Texas we've often had to cancel fireworks shows in drought conditions. Last year I ended up in a ghost town in the middle of West Texas that ignored a burn ban, set off its tiny July 4 fireworks tribute, and subsequently caught the town on fire. So, count your blessings, I guess?