Flying into Albuquerque airport on Oct.8 at 3:50 p.m.What are our chances of seeing the balloons in the air upon landing?
Thanks

None. According to www.balloonfiesta.com , the first event takes place at 5 pm. The winds are usually up too high during afternoon hours.

Also, keep an eye out on the weather forecast. A general rule of thumb is winds over 12 - 15 mph, only the crazy commercial pilots will get their balloons out of the trailer. It all depends on the pilot's experience, equipment and pressure to fly. There is a storm coming in this week that makes me question the flyability of Friday. I hope it proves me wrong though!

Be sure to take more than enough film / fresh batteries. It is amazing how much you will shoot in a very short amount of time!

It's true that you're unlikely to see balloons in the air at that time of day, but mornings and evenings you won't believe your eyes - they're everywhere! We were there a few years ago and arrived quite late at night, after everyone (even the balloonists) had gone to bed. The next morning around 6 AM I opened the drapes in our hotel room and looked outside, only to see a balloon full of people go gliding by practically at eye level. Good thing I was wearing fairly modest nightwear.

I have no particular interest in hot air balloons. Nevertheless, seeing the sky fill with them at dawn, like some pantasmagoric sea creatures rising through the pale light, is one of the most memorable sights of my life.

Speaking as an Albuquerque resident and Balloon Fiesta volunteer, you may see a few in the afternoon if the weather is calm. However, the Fiesta starts at dawn each morning from Oct 2 through Oct 10th. If you are here you really should go out for the Saturday "flight". Its a sight you won't believe (and there's lots of good food!). Warning-the traffic is huge, so go early. There are shuttles to the balloon park. There are also evening balloon glows with tethered balloons. Check the web site.

Weaverm -

What is your local weather showing for opening weekend? I've had to trust weather.com and am not pleased by what I've seen over the past few days. Are the local stations talking about the chances of rain impairing the balloon flights?

Hi--current local weather forecasts say it will be a good weekend. Sure hope that holds true!

Any new updates?

Not too likely unless it's cold.

I haven't checked this year's schedule, but there will probably be a "special shapes" balloon glow the afternoon/evening of October 8th. Those are always fun.

Last I heard, the weather is supposed to be good for opening weekend.

Lee Ann