BETHLEHEM, PA. — Can fireworks go off in the rain?
That’s the question many Lehigh Valley residents likely will ask over the next few days, with severe weather and heavy downpours in the forecast as Fourth of July celebrations loom.
- The Lehigh Valley is at risk of severe weather Monday and Tuesday
- The forecast could leave planned fireworks shows in jeopardy
- In addition to a risk of isolated tornadoes and damaging winds, excessive rainfall and flooding is also possible
Fireworks shows in Allentown (5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at J. Birney Crum Stadium) and Bethlehem (9 p.m. on Tuesday from Sand Island) could be in jeopardy as the Lehigh Valley continues to be at the mercy of Mother Nature in a sticky, sultry pattern that won’t relent.
Here’s how the next few days are shaping up:
READ: The Pa. fireworks law has changed. Here's what to know with the Fourth of July approaching
Monday
A mostly sunny and muggy morning is on tap, but another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected in the afternoon and evening.
It comes after tornado warnings across the region on Sunday.
The National Weather Service said increasing wind shear and mixed layer CAPE conditions (both ingredients for severe weather) “should create conditions that will allow for robust organized thunderstorms to develop … as a result, some of the storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail, along with frequent cloud to ground lightning.”
There's also the possibility of isolated tornadoes, according to EPAWA meteorologist Bobby Martrich.
EPAWA's 7/3 and week ahead outlook, covering:
— Bobby Martrich | EPAWA (@epawawx) July 3, 2023
■ Scattered storms again possible next 2 days
■ High heat and humidity expected this week
■ Cold front timing uncertainties end of weekhttps://t.co/FLsHabit8v
“I do think the primary threat today for any severe weather is going to be from straight line winds,” Martrich said in his latest video forecast.
Precipitable water values likely will be near or just over 2 inches and locally heavy downpours are possible.
It comes with high temperatures forecast to be mainly in the upper 80s to low 90s across the region, or what Martrich called a “hot, juicy environment” ripe for thunderstorm activity.
Independence Day
Martrich projects rain and thunderstorm activity could last through mid-evening on Tuesday, putting fireworks shows in the to-be-determined category.
According to the weather service, storms will begin to fire near and north of Interstate 78 by late morning, spreading south to southeastward into the afternoon and evening.
Locally damaging winds and heavy rain could lead to localized flooding, the forecast discussion said, with parts of the area at a marginal risk for excessive rainfall.
Summary:
The Storm Prediction Center has the area at a slight risk (2 out of 5) for severe weather on Monday, and a marginal risk (1 out of 5) on Tuesday.
Showers and thunderstorms should wane in coverage and intensity into the late evening hours Tuesday, with timing of storms clearing out the difference in whether fireworks will go off as planned.
