Why do balloons fly in the early morning only?

Winds are generally most favorable the first hours after sunrise and the last hours before sunset. The sun’s uneven heating of the earth’s surface causes strong, variable winds. In the morning, it takes a few hours to heat the earth’s surface enough to generate the thermal activity that creates wind. In the evening, the sun’s intensity has sometimes diminished enough to reduce winds to acceptable flight levels. Ideal winds are 3-6 mph. Our experience shows that afternoon balloon flights in this area are risky. We do not want to jeopardize passenger safety, therefore we do not fly in the afternoon.