PORTLAND — Fireworks are legal this Fourth of July for the first time in 63 years in Maine, but weather forecasters are hopeful that rain doesn’t steal the fireworks’ thunder.

Mike Kistner from the National Weather Service says there’s a possibility of thunderstorms in northwest and northern Maine and rain in southern Maine today. But he says it’s likely that the rain will blow through before nightfall, when most fireworks are set off.

Many Mainers have been stocking up at 12 fireworks stores in the state and Fire Marshal Joe Thomas is encouraging people to use their fireworks responsibly.

The Legislature approved fireworks last years but whether they can be set off legally depends on local ordinances that vary from town to town.

Officials with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands are issuing a reminder that fireworks are prohibited in all state parks. historic sites and public reserve lands.

Parks and Lands Director Will Harris said fireworks aren’t permitted at state parks for safety reasons. They’re banned from Maine’s public reserve lands, which are in the remote backcountry, because of fire danger.