Hold off on fireworks until the wind dies down, meteorologist says
Jul 3, 2023, 3:25 PM | Updated: Jul 18, 2023, 12:03 pm
A small American flag is illuminated by fireworks on July 4, 2022. (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Meteorologists say there’s a pretty good chance of some thunderstorms Monday afternoon. For Utahns with a pile of fireworks to set off, it’s probably best to wait out the winds before setting anything off.
KSL Meteorologist Kristen Van Dyke said the valley will likely see thunderstorms between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. And, she said, those storms will pack a punch with some gusty winds.
Those winds could go up to “45 to even 55 mph and that could be across the Salt Lake Valley,” Van Dyke added.
The winds make fireworks more dangerous, VanDyke said, especially with all the green grass we have now thanks to all of this year’s water.
But the good news is, Van Dyke said the winds should die down by the time the sun goes down so it hopefully won’t affect anyone’s firework plans.
That doesn’t mean there’s no risk though, so practice caution.
“If anything gets out of hand, if it feels breezy, or windy to you. Don’t. Just hold off on the fireworks, try to be safe with that and stay cool and hydrated.”
Fourth of July weather
Just in time for the parades Tuesday morning we’re getting a cool front, so the day will be about 10 degrees cooler than Monday.
“I’m not going to call it a cold front, because we’re not going to get cold behind the front, but we are going to cool off a little bit,” Van Dyke said.
Van Dyke also advised that the chance of thunderstorms will stick around for the Fourth of July.
