Balmy weather expected to continue for weekend festivities

Sep. 30—It might be autumn in the City Different, but it's Christmas in the fields at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas.

Green chile typically matures to red at the living history museum and ranch in mid to late September, but warmer weather this fall has extended the season, said curator of agriculture Annie Murchy, explaining the chile plants have continued to flower and produce new fruit.

"The field is still full of green chile," she said.

It looks like attendees at the ranch's Santa Fe Harvest Festival will experience "beautiful" weather this weekend, Murchy said.

Meteorologists in the National Weather Service's Albuquerque office said Monday the start of October is expected to feel more like the end of August this year. Santa Fe saw a record high of 90 degrees Friday. Several other cities also had record-breaking temperatures last week amid a "drying trend" in the state.

"Precipitation-wise, there's not much to talk about," meteorologist Jennifer Shoemake said. "... Hot and dry is the story."

Chile is being harvested at Las Golondrinas alongside winter squash, corn and beans. Pumpkins are being cut off the vine to prepare for the 52nd annual harvest fest Saturday and Sunday.

Technology has made it easier to anticipate weather — crucial to farming, Murchy said. But there are still "outliers" and "surprises." She predicted the first frost might come later than usual.

Shoemake said above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation are likely to continue next week.

That might be good news for people planning to rise early for the morning Mass Ascensions at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which kicks off Saturday.

Every year, thousands of attendees bundle up in scarves, hats and sweaters to brave the pre-dawn chill.

Balloon Fiesta lead meteorologist Brad Temeyer recommended patrons leave one of those layers at home this weekend. For the first weekend of the event, he said, the highs could be in the 90s later in the day, rather than the typical 70s or 80s — potentially record-breaking temperatures for the event.

"It's a really warm start to fiesta," Temeyer said.

Balloonists may have to use more fuel or carry less weight to accommodate for higher temperatures, he said. Rain or high winds can also result in delayed or canceled launches, but predictions show a dry Balloon Fiesta.

"Fingers crossed," Temeyer said.

The warm, dry weather could be a boon for the famous Albuquerque box effect, a wind pattern that allows hot air balloons to launch from Balloon Fiesta Park and then return there to land after circling overhead.

Cool winds roll in overnight from Santa Fe to Albuquerque, Temeyer said. That, combined with prevailing winds from the south, creates a predictable "box" of wind patterns that balloonists can use to their advantage. Clear skies and light winds — "which is what we will have" — help set up the box.

He expressed optimism about the outlook for the event: "It's looking like a great start to Balloon Fiesta."