Overview

• Organizers scrubbed the 7 a.m. launch on Saturday and canceled the evening Balloon Glo, ordering an evacuation when lightning was within range.
• The National Weather Service in Pueblo projects drier, calmer conditions during the 7 a.m. windows on Sunday and Monday.
• Any launch depends on strict thresholds: surface winds under 8 mph, at least 5 miles of visibility, and no precipitation, thunder or lightning, with cloud cover assessed the morning of flight.
• Despite grounded balloons, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue engaged crowds and pilots offered burner demos as concerts, vendors and other activities continued where safe.
• The 49th-year festival, which typically draws more than 200,000 people and expects about 70–80 balloons, advises attendees to watch official channels for real-time updates and plan for early, first-come parking.