In a recent air ballooning accident in Egypt where 19 lives were lost, thus questions are being raised on not just the safety standards but also on the right weather conditions for air ballooning all across the world. While safety during a hot air balloon is important, the right weather conditions can’t be left out.
Experts tell us there is no “best time” to fly a hot air balloon. A hot air balloon flight is scheduled when the weather is suitable, which in India is usually between September to March, when the weather is very ‘Ballooning’!!
Ballooning clearly relies on good weather. Balloon flights don't fly in heavy rain, fog, snow or winds that are consistently above 7 mph. The perfect wind speed for a safe flight is below 10mph, wind speed stronger than this can cancel a flight. Also, balloons don't fly when there is a threat of thunderstorms in the area or when the heat index reaches 35°C. Balloon flights usually take place around sunrise or sunset when the winds are most stable. These factors are taken into consideration by the pilot to ensure a safe flight or a flight cancellation altogether. A balloon could fly up to 5,000 feet. Some highly skilled pilots are experts at skimming the treetops and controlling the altitude of the balloon for the best visual experiences.
Weathermen at Skymet say right now the time is ripe for air ballooning in India. Packing bags for a quick air ballooning weekend to Jaipur or Neemrana Fort(140kms from Delhi) is highly recommended.
Northerly to northwesterly winds at Jaipur at a speed of 3 to 5mph around sunrise and 5 to 7mph around sunset will be most suitable for hot air balloon flights. Skies will be sunny and light haze in the early morning hours could get cleared soon. The current temperature in Jaipur is 14⁰C to 15⁰C in the morning and 24⁰C in the evening. Forecasters inform that these temperatures could soon rise considerably in Jaipur but will still be below the 35⁰C range, thus not hamper any air balloon flights and disappoint tourists.
Last piece of advice: Dress warm and in layers for your 60minutes air balloon flight as it gets colder by 3.5⁰C at every 1,000 feet of altitude.
