Darien’s firework display has been postponed to Friday, July 19, “due to impending inclement weather” the town government has announced on its website.
In other words: Rain, rain sent away Darien’s Fireworks Display. Wait a week, and whaddaya say? If it’s dry, that’s the day.
Darien’s town fireworks are now scheduled to begin at about 9 p.m. on the 19th. The location remains at Darien High School.
The other bad news: The National Weather Service forecast (several days out and, of course subject to change) says there’s a good chance it will be raining in the days leading up to next Friday.
And there’s more to watch out for than rain: The NWS says flooding is possible Friday — today — and this Saturday.
Pop-up notice on the town government website home page
Read it and weep …
About That Impending Inclement Weather …
Image from the National Weather Service
Why the fireworks won’t work for Friday: The weather forecast. Here’s the one from the National Weather Service, specifically for Darien, for Friday, July 12 through Sunday, the 14th.
The National Weather Service is saying:
Friday
Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 71. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday:
Showers with embedded thunderstorms are expected to shift
through the area today through Saturday. Any thunderstorm
will have the potential to produce heavy downpours that may
lead to flooding. A total of 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is
anticipated with locally higher amounts. The period for the
greatest threat of flooding is this afternoon through
Saturday morning, however, flooding will still be possible
Saturday afternoon.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.
It’s Possible It Won’t Be Next Friday Either …
Here’s the NWS weather forecast from Tuesday through Thursday — which may mean the ground will be so wet that, for Friday at least, the event will have to be cancelled:
• Tuesday Night — A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
• Wednesday — A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
• Wednesday Night — A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
• Thursday — A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
If It’s Not Too Wet Next Friday …
Pre-fireworks display activities include live music by the Darien Community Band, face painting, novelty vendors and local food trucks.
Walk-ins are free and not limited to residents.
Darien Parks & Recreation Department Announcement
Here’s what Parks & Rec said on the town government website:
Many factors go into making this determination including staffing of multiple town departments, the safety of attendees, staff, the fireworks crew, and vendors as well as the on-site work that begins as early as 5am the day of, and concludes at 10am the following day.
The rescheduled fireworks will follow the same start times as previously planned and all parking passes will be honored.
July 19th Schedule:
6:30 p.m. – Gates open on Noroton Avenue & vendors open
7 p.m. – Games in the courtyard until 8:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. – Darien Community Band in the courtyard until 8:30 p.m.
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks display launch
We appreciate your understanding and we look forward to seeing everyone July 19th for a fantastic show!
These Deserve Thanks, Whatever Happens …
Organizers have thanked event sponsors for their continued support in making the fireworks display possible: Baywater Properties/The Corbin District; Grove Street Plaza; Ring’s End; First County Bank; Federal Realty; Orchard Tree Care Specialists; Sheree Frank (Realtor with Houlihan Lawrence Darien/Rowayton); Palmer’s Market; Dan & Jen Anderson; and Newport Healthcare.