But is it true that fireworks could change the weather and make it rain? Here’s a quick look at the theories and the science behind this long running myth.
The Argument
The argument that fireworks can make it rain comes from the composition of fireworks and how these chemicals are launched into the year in large masses during big celebrations such as the Bonfire Night or the 4th of July in the US.
The main ingredient making people assume fireworks could result in rain is sulphur. As the fireworks …show more content…
The Science
The assumptions aren’t totally plugged out of thin air, as controlling the weather isn’t just a science fiction story these days. Scientist have been able to control the creation of rain to limited extend and some of which has done with the help of dioxin, for instance.
Perhaps the most notorious example came during the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The Chinese used cloud seeding missiles in order to clear the threat of rain before the opening ceremony. The missiles shot chemicals like dioxin and sulphur into the rain clouds to increase precipitation. The mission was a success, with the opening ceremony taking place in dry weather.
In case you are wondering why this cloud seeding isn’t more common place everywhere, the iodide used in the process is toxic. Large quantities result in toxic rain and most people would surely for it to rain then to poison ground!
The Verdict
Nonetheless, fireworks are not found to be an actual cause for rain. The concentration of chemicals during even the busiest of firework nights is alone not enough to open the floodgates in the