Not the rain, but the wind could be a spoilsport on New Year’s Eve. It will be quite windy with wind force four to five. And that can be dangerous when lighting fireworks. The question remains whether large fireworks shows can go ahead in Brabant. This is what you need to pay attention to if you want to start the new year with a bang.
“The further westerly, the harder the wind blows,” warns weatherman Johnny Willemsen from Weerplaza. “In the west of Brabant you have a really strong wind. In the east it will be a bit more difficult.”
The 100 million euros on legal fireworks and 30 million euros that the Dutch spent on illegal stuff must and will of course be released. For people who want to light fireworks, the wind can be very treacherous. Especially due to gusts of wind, fireworks can suddenly go in a direction that you do not expect, and then you are vulnerable.
Light fireworks safely
You can do things yourself to light fireworks as safely as possible. For example, wear fireworks glasses, use a lighter fuse, keep more than enough distance and stand with the wind at your back towards the fireworks, so that you are not surprised by smoke or fireworks that suddenly come your way. Normally the distance should be at least eight meters, but in strong winds it should be at least double.
The fireworks industry has worked hard in recent years on the stability of fireworks, says Leo Groeneveld of the Interest Association Pyrotechniek Netherlands. “The fireworks boxes have been made much more stable and no longer fall over so quickly. That did not happen during the tests last year.” It is best to secure smaller pots securely.
Fireworks shows
This year, lighting fireworks is prohibited for the first time in Eindhoven and Tilburg. Whether the replacement fireworks shows will continue there will be determined on New Year’s Eve. In Tilburg, the shows at the Piushaven and in the Reeshofpark were canceled last year due to strong wind and rain and that could also be the case this year.
New Years EHVE is held at the Lichttoren in Eindhoven. Light and live music also play a major role there, so the event is less sensitive to bad weather. The Efteling also has a big fireworks show.
Rain on New Year’s Eve
The question is whether everyone will stay dry in Brabant. On New Year’s Eve it will rain during the day, predicts weatherman Johnny Willemsen from Weerplaza. “Behind that, we will have to deal with some ‘loose’ showers. During New Year’s Eve you have to be a little lucky to keep it dry. Some people will be unlucky, it will just rain there. But it will certainly not be in the entire province. rain on New Year’s Eve.”