Winds and rain chances could impact Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta this weekend
Breezy weather and isolated rain storms will sweep into Albuquerque this weekend, meteorologists reported. Gusty conditions may disrupt scheduled morning flight events across the central valley. An approaching low pressure system will push stronger gusts across the state. Western, central and northern areas will also see scattered thunderstorms develop.
Dry conditions held across most regions earlier today. High temperatures remained near or slightly above normal levels. Brief rain fell over the northern mountains.
Conditions will change quickly by Saturday morning. Winds will blow lightly from the south near Balloon Fiesta Park. Faster air currents several hundred feet aloft may keep balloons grounded. Pilots might stage a static display instead. A full Mass Ascension remains possible. Balloons will drift toward the northeast if flight crews launch.
Gusts will increase during Saturday afternoon across large portions of New Mexico. The Albuquerque Metro could experience wind gusts reaching 20 mph. Scattered showers will enter northern and western counties. Evening rain could generate brief wind gusts of 30 mph. Surface gusts should calm around sunset.
Storms will spread into western and central New Mexico overnight into Sunday morning. Albuquerque will likely stay dry during morning hours. Fast winds just above the ground could disrupt the final Mass Ascension of Balloon Fiesta. Ground breezes should allow a static display.
Sunday afternoon will bring the strongest winds of the weekend. Southwest gusts between 25 and 40 mph will sweep across New Mexico. Some local zones could see top gusts near 50 mph. Spotty rain chances will linger into Sunday evening.
Unsettled conditions will continue into early next week. Winds will ease. Spotty rain chances will persist through Tuesday.
Hot air will retreat by midweek. A Pacific cold front will cross New Mexico on Wednesday. Most regions will stay dry behind the boundary. Chilly air will drop late-week temperatures below normal.
Balloon Fiesta is an annual autumn gathering held at a dedicated launch field in north Albuquerque. Hot air balloon operations depend on calm morning winds both at the surface and high above ground level. Ground displays allow visitors to view tethered envelopes when upper-level breezes prevent safe regional flights.
Chilly conditions will settle over northern valleys by late next week.
