Albuquerque is the perfect place for the Balloon Fiesta due to the unique weather phenomenon known as the “Albuquerque Box”, which allows hot air balloons to travel southward due to the colder air from the Sandias and the mountains in northern New Mexico.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Every October, balloons fill the Albuquerque sky for the Balloon Fiesta. Albuquerque is the perfect place for the nine-day event because of a unique weather phenomenon called the “Albuquerque Box.” Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud explains why it’s so special.
First, the box effect is unique to Albuquerque. The big reason is because of the geography. “Colder air from the Sandias and the mountains in northern New Mexico flows down into the Rio Grande Valley. The colder air is more dense so it travels southward just like water in the river. That creates this wind from north to south and can direct hot air balloons southward. If you go higher up, the wind changes direction from south to north,” said Tosterud.
According to the National Weather Service, a study found that on average the Albuquerque Box occurs about three days out of the first 15 days of October. However, even on days the box occurs it dissipates by mid-morning.
The Balloon Fiesta starts on Saturday, October 5, and ends on Sunday, October 13. For more information about the event, click here.