The secret ingredient behind every firework's brilliant colors

THE WEATHER AUTHORITY (WINK) — Every firework starts with four basic ingredients: fuel, an oxidizer, a binder, and tiny pellets called "stars." Those stars are the real showstoppers, as they're packed with different chemical compounds that create the amazing colors we will see lighting up the night sky tonight.

When a firework explodes, temperatures soar to thousands of degrees, causing those chemicals to heat up and emit different colors of light.

Here's what creates the rainbow overhead:

• Red: Strontium
• Orange: Calcium
• Yellow: Sodium
• Green: Barium
• Blue: Copper
• White & Silver: Magnesium, aluminum, or titanium

One fun fact: Blue is the hardest color to create! Copper only produces a bright blue if it burns at just the right temperature. Too hot or too cool, and the brilliant blue disappears.

The weather can even play a role in the show. A light breeze helps carry away smoke, while calm, humid conditions can cause it to linger, making the grand finale look a little hazy. The latter is what we are expecting tonight, as storms roll out, but clouds stick around.