The unpredictable British weather has guaranteed we’ve all experienced a rainy Bonfire Night or a stormy New Year’s Eve. We’ve all stood outside trying to keep warm with warm cider while fearing for the success of the big fireworks show we’ve organised in these ‘cheerful’ conditions.
Unfortunately weather cannot be controlled and you always have to be mindful of the fact that Mr Rain might come and try ruin the party. But you shouldn’t be too scared of the rain if you are throwinga fireworks show, as fireworks can still be lit up in rainy conditions. You just need to take extra steps to ensure you are shooting fireworks safely and that you avoid damaging the fireworks.
Prepare for the Show
If you are organising the display, you should check the weather forecast a few days before the show to leave enough time for some preparations. If there’s a strong likelihood of rain, you should waterproof your fireworks.
This is an easy thing to do. All you need is some cling film or plastic bags. Simple cover the fireworks either with a bag – remember to tape the bag to prevent it from blowing off – or wrap cling film around the product.
There’s no reason you couldn’t do this even if it’s not expected to rain. If you set the fireworks ready outside, the cling film can prevent dew and overnight dampness from damaging the firework.
In general, always store your fireworks in a dry place. This will guarantee your fireworks are ready to go on the big day.
Shooting Fireworks
When the big day comes, you need to remove the waterproofing carefully. Make sure big pools of water don’t get into the fuse area – if the fuse gets wet, your firework won’t fire.
Before you start the show, check each firework and make sure the fuse area is dry and unharmed. If you notice anything unusual, you could just skip using the specific firework.
A proper long-reaching firing torch is a great product for rainy conditions. Remove the waterproofing right before you are about the fire the fireworks and use a remote torch to set it up.
If your firework fails to set off, do not try to light it again. This could lead to misfiring and you are better off moving on to the next fun product.
When to Avoid Setting Fireworks?
While your average rain doesn’t damage fireworks, especially if they are properly waterproofed and stored, you don’t want to risk setting off fireworks in a drenching rain. If the rain is heavy and stormy, it might be a good idea to wait for it to calm down.
Wind is another factor you need to keep in mind. If there’s a strong wind, the fireworks and the debris might fly off, so you must ensure there’s enough space between you and the audience.
Our website has good information on the safety distances for each firework. If its rainy and windy, you might want to add a meter or two to these suggestions – just to be safe.
A little rain should never stop you from enjoying fireworks! Just ensure you make enough preparations and follow the general safety instructions to guarantee the bad weather is forgotten when the magical display begins!
