Walla Walla weather may halt Balloon Stampede

The 40th annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is already underway in Washington, USA.

Balloons took off early on Thursday morning from Howars Tiatan Park as shown in this superb aerial footage.

The event continues through till Sunday but a cold front moving into the region will likely force many scheduled flights to be cancelled or keep the balloons  tethered to the ground, festival organizers said Thursday.

The US National Weather Service is predicting some rain, wind and cooler temperatures. Not ideal conditions for ballooning as they cannot launch if it’s raining or surface winds are more than 7 mph.

Depending on the weather, the balloons are scheduled to launch at 6 a.m. each morning from Garrison Middle School field, 906 Chase St.

The balloon stampede, sponsored by Gesa Credit Union, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.