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elleng

(136,595 posts)
Thu Jan 21, 2021, 03:42 PM Jan 2021

Heard the inauguration fireworks far from D.C.? Blame a temperature inversion.

They were reportedly heard as far as 15 miles away.

Katy Perry’s Inauguration Day rendition of “Firework” was lit, quite literally — featuring the detonation of fireworks in rapid succession as a fitting close to the historic evening. The show was lauded as one of the most spectacular firework displays many had ever witnessed, as well as the loudest. In some cases, the blasts were heard up to 15 miles away.

The reason? An inversion, or an increase in temperature with height. That “caps” the atmosphere, preventing cooler surface air from rising. It also helps turn the lower atmosphere into an echo chamber, allowing sound waves to propagate across long distances.

A firework-induced rumbling was heard as far away as Silver Spring, Huntington, Bethesda and Hyattsville.'

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/01/21/inauguration-fireworks-loud-inversion/?

Didn't hear anything here in southern MD 60 miles away.

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Heard the inauguration fireworks far from D.C.? Blame a temperature inversion. (Original Post) elleng Jan 2021 OP
didnt hear it in honolulu either nt msongs Jan 2021 #1
It sounded like bombs dropping in VA. Nt spooky3 Jan 2021 #2
Boston,... nope,.... nothing.... magicarpet Jan 2021 #3
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