Overview

• The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, known for its vibrant displays, begins this Saturday for its 52nd year.
• Unseasonably high temperatures are expected, with forecasts predicting the warmest fiesta on record.
• Warmer weather may shorten flight times as pilots adjust to the need for more fuel to gain lift.
• The event will feature 106 special-shaped balloons, including 16 making their debut appearances.
• Despite the heat, organizers and pilots assure that spectators will still enjoy the spectacle without the usual pre-dawn chill.