Hot air balloons are very weather sensitive. Flights generally occur at sunrise or just before sunset when the winds are the lightest.
If wind speed at the time of a balloon launch is more than 7 miles an hour, it is too dangerous to fly. Other weather conditions such as rain, fog or thunderstorms within 100 miles will keep the balloons on the ground for safety reasons until the weather lifts. To find out the approximate weather conditions for the Great Midwest Balloon Fest, check back frequently to view the extended forecast.