Columbia forecast could put a damper on July 4 activities. Here's what to know

July 4 for Columbia and Boone County is more likely to come in with a fizzle than with a triumphant bang as rain is in the forecast for much of the Independence Day holiday.

Storm fronts actually start moving into the area Tuesday, said National Weather Service meteorologist Melissa Byrd.

There's a 40% chance of rain and storms in the overnight hours Tuesday, per a NWS forecast. Most of the stormy weather will hit in the evening hours Wednesday and through Thursday, Byrd said.

"There are some indications of another front moving through the evening and overnight hours on the Fourth of July," she said, adding that forecast has not yet tightened up. "I can't give you an exact time of when it would rain and whether it would mess up the fireworks. ... I'm not expecting a complete washout, but I can't say when the dry times will be."

The chance of rain Wednesday night is 80% and 70% throughout the day Thursday, with rain more likely prior to 1 p.m. but there still is a 50% chance for rain in the evening hours Thursday, per the NWS forecast.

Because of this forecast, the City of Columbia already is monitoring conditions for Fire in the Sky on Thursday, wrote Tammy Miller, Columbia Parks and Recreation spokesperson in a message to the Tribune on Monday. The city will make a determination closer to Thursday, she wrote.

"Weather forecasts tend to change and we want to make sure we have the best, most updated information before making a decision," Miller wrote. "We are committed to providing the best event for our community to celebrate the Fourth of July, but the safety of our residents, vendors, entertainers, volunteers and staff will come first. We will work closely with emergency management officials and our fireworks vendor in determining any potential cancellation or postponement about the event and/or the fireworks display."

These announcements will come via news release, on social media and through the Parks and Recreation hotline at 573-874-7663.

The annual Fire in the Sky celebration is again at Stephens Lake Park this year and depending on weather is slated to start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday with kids’ activities and crafts, food trucks and live music from park's amphitheater. If weather doesn't prevent festivities or the fireworks, they will be set off at 9:15 p.m.

The city is working with Boone Hospital to provide parking access for Fire in the Sky visitors, the city said. Many of the hospital’s parking lots will be available for public use for the event, and the Columbia Police Department will be providing traffic assistance.

Go COMO transit will provide complimentary shuttle service between all six city parking garages and a drop-off point on East Walnut Street near Stephens Lake Park. This free shuttle service will run continuously 5-11 p.m., moving event-goers between the garages and the celebration. Riders can track the locations of shuttles in real-time using the DoubleMap app, the city said.

Once passengers arrive at the Fire in the Sky shuttle stop, they will cross Old Highway 63 on foot to reach the park. Old Highway 63 will be closed to traffic by the Columbia Police Department.

Parking enforcement will be suspended and on-street and in-garage parking will be free of charge on July 4.

As with other large public events at Stephens Lake Park such as Art in the Park, the City of Columbia will close East Walnut to non-residential traffic that evening. The Columbia Police Department will provide traffic management support during the event, and residents who live on East Walnut will not need a pass to access the street that evening, the city said.

Personal fireworks and barbecue grills are prohibited at Fire in the Sky, and alcohol is strongly discouraged at this family-friendly event. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening celebrating with the community, the city said.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on X, formerly Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.