How Does Weather Affect a Fireworks Display?

In the UK, we’re all aware that the weather is one of the most unpredictable factors when arranging any outdoor event, especially wedding fireworks. One of the most common questions we’re asked as the day approaches tends to be, “what do we do if it rains?”. From our point of view, the rain makes little to no difference in the actual firing of a fireworks display, and we always allow for a worst case scenario in terms of time for the crew to rig.

If it’s forecast to rain, we cover all the fireworks when we rig them to be waterproof in a thin sheeting that we can still fire through if it’s still wet when it comes to firing time. This not only means the design of the show fires as it’s supposed to, but also that the fireworks remain dry — which ensures they operate safely when they are let off. To this end, rain and temperature do not really have any effect on the show you will see fired.

The one big weather aspect that may impact the firing of the display is the wind, both its strength and direction. We are lucky enough to live in an age where there are a vast array of forecasting and prediction tools that are readily available to us. From the minute we visit a site to assess its suitability for a show, we are working out safety distances and likely fallout patterns.

We will always ensure that in the most likely wind direction (South Westerly is prevailing in the UK), we are able to deliver a safe a complete show. We also model a lot of scenarios around the “what ifs” so that we can provide our clients and teams on the ground with as much information as possible.

When the wind doesn’t do what it is predicted to, then we have a number of choices. With a lot of sites we work at, there is usually the ability to adapt the firing location so that safety distances are preserved — meaning we can still deliver the same show. In some circumstances, we may substitute products to remove longer burning effects so that we can still deliver a full show.

In rare circumstances, we may have to consider curtailing the show — which means taking out some effects. However, our shows are designed with an element of redundancy so that in all but the most extreme circumstances, we will be able to deliver a spectacular show.

We will always work with our clients to work out the best solution. Rest assured that we always work our hardest to ensure that no amount of rain will dampen our enthusiasm or ability to fire off a spectacular performance for you.