Wind and Weather for Ballooning

Before you take your Hot Air Balloon Ride with a Balloons over Britain UK operator, your fully qualified pilot will call a weather service to find out about climate and wind conditions in an area. Cautious pilots only fly when the weather is close to ideal that is when skies are clear and wind conditions are normal. You will not fly in a storm as these are extremely hazardous for hot air balloons, because of the danger of a lightning strike. Rain can be a problem, because it decreases visibility and damages the balloon material and it’s not much fun to fly around in wet weather anyway.

What we are looking for is a nice gentle wind to have a good flight. Strong winds are not desirable for a number of reasons and damage to the balloon could result. Balloons over Britain pilots also want to know which way the wind is blowing, to give the pilot a rough idea of which way the balloon will travel, and how they should manoeuvre once they’re in the air. Wherever in the UK you decide to fly with us at Balloons over Britain, the same safety procedures take place ensuring you have an enjoyable flight that you will remember for years to come.