Balloon Fiesta weather will stay mild across New Mexico this week
Favorable flight conditions will continue in Albuquerque as calm conditions cover most of New Mexico this week. Morning balloon launches should proceed with mostly dry skies and light winds across the area.
Most of the state will remain warm throughout the week. Spotty showers and areas of evaporating rain could appear in the mountains and western areas.
Tuesday morning will bring light south winds to Albuquerque, drifting balloons northward under clear skies. Morning temperatures will sit in the low to mid-50s. Afternoon conditions will stay seasonable with sunshine and isolated northern mountain showers.
Northerly drainage winds may turn breezy on Thursday morning. These winds could challenge special shape balloons. A box effect remains possible.
Rain chances will rise slightly in western New Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday. Any rainfall will stay light. Friday morning will bring lighter winds, making a box setup more likely.
A storm system will approach from the west on Saturday afternoon. Breezy southwest winds could affect the Static Display and the Balloon Glow before settling after sunset. Spotty light showers may form west of the Rio Grande Valley.
The Rio Grande Valley creates unique wind patterns that allow pilots to navigate across Albuquerque. Atmospheric box conditions let balloons travel in a circuit using different wind directions at varying altitudes.
Light northerly drainage winds return Sunday morning, though winds aloft will blow stronger. Spotty showers may return Sunday afternoon across western and southern New Mexico.
