Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    New year's celebrations: How do fireworks affect the weather?

09:00
31 December 2024

New year's celebrations
How do fireworks affect the weather?

Fireworks

According to some, New Year's Day it often rains, but can fireworks really change the weather?

Fireworks are largely made up of sulphur, and as they explode in the air they release clouds of smoke containing sulphur and dioxin.

These large releases of sulphur and dioxin have long been thought to affect the weather.

However, these chemicals need to reach cloud heights, several thousands of metres above the ground to make an impact.

That being said, the amount of smoke produced by fireworks can cause misty and foggy conditions, especially when the skies are clear and winds are light. This is because there are more cloud condensation nuclei present, which increases fog potential.

Best user images of 2024read more

On the flip side, the weather can also have an impact on firework displays. If humidity is low, for example, then fireworks can appear brighter. A temperature inversion can also enhance the sound of the explosions.

Keep an eye on the WeatherRadar for how your display could be shaping up!

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Warmer in Lapland than it is here. Arctic Circle sees 25 °C. . . Thursday, 4 June 2026
On the left is the Temperature Radar for Europe; on the right is a picture of a lake in Finland surrounded by woodland.
Thursday, 4 June 2026

Arctic Circle sees 25 °C

Warmer in Lapland than it is here
Damp Thursday as rain moves through. Raincoat needed. . . Thursday, 11 June 2026
Satellite weather map of the UK and Ireland on Thursday 11.06 showing a broad band of rain moving east-northeast across Britain, with a rain cloud icon, directional arrow, and temperatures around 11–15°C.
Thursday, 11 June 2026

Raincoat needed

Damp Thursday as rain moves through
Japan continues to face torrential rain. After Typhoon Jangmi. . . Friday, 5 June 2026
Split image showing a weather radar map with a tropical cyclone and heavy rain bands moving across Japan on the left, and an aerial view of widespread flooding around a coastal town and river estuary on the right.
Friday, 5 June 2026

After Typhoon Jangmi

Japan continues to face torrential rain
All weather news
This might also interest you
Mixed conditions on an unsettled week. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday, 2 November 2025
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
Storm Chandra makes impact. Severe gales & heavy rain. . . Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Happy New Year. Hello 2026. . . Wednesday, 31 December 2025
Illustration of white and yellow fireworks on a blue background.
Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Hello 2026

Happy New Year
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList