Weather forecast for the Bristol Balloon Fiesta
ReutersWith just hours to go until the start of the 2026 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, there is one question on everyone's lips - what will the weather be like?
The West has experienced extreme heat and drought so far this summer, but with the major event so reliant on the weather there are thousands of people keeping a close eye on the skies.
With rainfall, wind or even high temperatures stopping mass ascents from taking place in previous years, organisers will be hoping to see settled conditions over the weekend.
But will they get their wish? Here is the outlook from BBC West weather forecaster Ian Fergusson.
Could it rain?
Overall, it will be a very pleasant set of conditions for this year's fiesta. High pressure will dominate, bringing with it effectively dry, settled weather and variable cloud & sunshine.
The chance of any showers is very low, albeit a few are possible early on Friday, moving into North Somerset off the Bristol Channel.
What will the temperature be like?
Temperatures will climb across the three days of the event, from the low 20s C on Friday, rising into the mid-20s by Saturday and mid to high 20s on Sunday.
Sunday will become somewhat breezier during the afternoon, with a little forecast uncertainty about the possible southward progress of a very weak and decaying front.
But nonetheless, it will provide another decent day and ensure the fiesta will have escaped any risk of inclement weather.
What else is there to consider?
It is worth adding that UV levels and pollen count will remain high throughout the three days.
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