Balloon Flying Menu > Preparing For Flight > Preflight Operations > Wind Direction

Consider the wind direction before the balloon is even unloaded from the chase vehicle. Take into account the surface wind at the time of cold inflation to avoid carrying a heavy balloon bag and basket around. A Murphy’s Law type of rule is that the wind will always change during inflation. Local knowledge is invaluable. If other balloons are around, check with the most experienced local pilot.

A wind change at or shortly after sunrise is normal in many places. If you lay your balloon out before sunrise, a wind change may be likely. If you are flying in a new place, watch the local pilots. They may have knowledge that you should heed.

Some general trends are that air usually flows downhill or down valley, first thing in the morning, and air usually flows from cold to warm in the morning. This air drainage may stop very shortly after the sun rises and starts heating the ground. This early morning wind may come from a different direction than the prevailing or predicted wind.

Some local pilots may lay their balloons out in a direction that does not match the airflow at the time, but that will be correct 15 to 30 minutes later when the sunrise change occurs and the inflation starts. Pibals (small balloons filled with helium) are excellent low-level wind direction indicators.