July 4th Fireworks: Rain Predicted In Essex County, Forecasters Say

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Will rain impact Independence Day fireworks shows in Essex County set for Monday and Tuesday? It might be best to keep checking the skies, according to weather forecasters.

The National Weather Service has announced a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Monday afternoon and evening in the area. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop, with the potential for a few of the storms to become “strong to severe.”

Strong winds would be the main threat. In addition, heavy rainfall could produce areas of mainly minor flooding.

The ugly weather could continue for Independence Day, forecasters said, sharing the following prediction for Tuesday through Sunday:

“Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop Tuesday afternoon and evening. There is the potential for a few of the storms to become strong to severe, with strong winds the main threat. In addition, heavy rainfall could produce areas of mainly minor flooding, although there is a slightly higher risk for flash flooding due to the potential for relatively slow-moving storms.”

It remains to be seen how the weather will affect several fireworks displays scheduled for the two days in Essex County. The list includes:

BELLEVILLE - Belleville will hold a 2023 fireworks celebration on Monday, July 3. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at Belleville Municipal Stadium, with a fireworks show slated for dusk. Other family-friendly activities will include face painting, clowns, rides, food trucks and a DJ.

LIVINGSTON - Livingston will hold a celebration with fireworks on Tuesday, July 4. It will be held near Memorial Oval on Robert Harp Drive. Activities will include an opening patriotic ceremony, food trucks, live music, an auto fest, a beer garden, kids activities, and a Swim Karnival. The fireworks spectacular will take place at 9:15 p.m. Learn more here.

MILLBURN - There will be a 4th Of July celebration featuring fireworks in Millburn. It will take place on Tuesday, July 4 at Millburn High School, 462 Millburn Avenue. Morning activities start at 9 a.m., and doors open for fireworks at 7:30 p.m., with a fireworks show scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.

NUTLEY - The Township of Nutley will hold a 4th of July celebration and fireworks on Tuesday, July 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Nutley Park Oval, 300 Franklin Avenue. Food vendors will line Franklin Avenue, and DJ Rob Franicola will be on hand to provide music and games in the Oval. The fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held on the next clear night, organizers said.

WEST ESSEX - The annual West Essex 4th of July fireworks celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 4 at the James Caldwell High School Baseball Field, Westville Avenue in West Caldwell. Sponsored by the communities of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Roseland, North Caldwell and West Caldwell, this year's gala fireworks display will be fired by Garden State Fireworks of Millington. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Dan Duca. The field gates will open at 7 p.m. for the holiday festivities. To help offset the cost of the fireworks, the committee is asking for a donation of $3 per adult and $1 per child under 12. If the fireworks have to be canceled because of rain, the event will be held Wednesday, July 5.

WEST ORANGE

The Township of West Orange will hold a 4th of July celebration featuring fireworks on Tuesday, July 4 at West Orange High School. The event will include food trucks from 1 to 9 p.m., a kids zone from 2 to 6 p.m. ($5 wristbands), and a DJ/other activities from 2 to 9 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around dusk (9:15 p.m.) Learn more here.

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