Canberra Balloon Spectacular: Morning fog sees opening day cancelled

Rolling fog meant the more than 40 hot-air balloons set to take to the skies for the first day of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular were instead grounded, to the disappointment of thousands of spectators.

While the early-morning risers didn't get a chance to see the balloons in action on the first day, it wasn't all bad news, however.

With the fog forcing the balloons to stay on the ground, many got the chance to see the balloons up close, including a Smurf and a hummingbird balloon, brought in from overseas.

Helena Catalado from Events ACT said it's hoped the next few days will see clearer conditions for flying.

"This morning we thought it would be all systems go until the fog rolled in," she said.

"We're hoping for tomorrow and the day after is good flying weather, but we wake up each day hoping for good conditions."

Mrs Catalado said the first day of the event saw strong crowds gather on the lawns of Old Parliament House, including many families as well as pets.

"People were quite excited to get up close and personal with the balloons. Some of them were offering tethered rides for the children," she said.

A decision on whether the balloons will take to the skies is made shortly after 6am after consultations with an on-site meteorologist.

Flight director John Wellington said if it weren't for the fog, conditions on Saturday would have been perfect for flying.

"We always knew there was a chance of fog, but it looked like a slim chance," he said.

"There was no fog earlier in the morning and the forecasts looked good, but as it often happens, the fog rolled in just as the balloons were getting inflated.

"It was one of the first fogs of the season, and we had to make the decision not to fly.

Mr Wellington said he will constantly be checking weather conditions in the lead up to the next few days of the balloon spectacular.

However, the fog could be back on Sunday morning, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting fog for some areas of Canberra.

The Bureau's NSW/ACT duty forecaster Peter Zmijewski said fog, however, is often difficult to predict more than 24 hours in advance.

"There will also be a medium chance of showers for both Sunday and Monday, most likely in the afternoon," he said.

"There's also a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon."

Despite the chance of fog and a potential shower in coming days, Mrs Catalado said a large crowd is expected over the Canberra Day long weekend.

"We do find the weekends tend to have stronger numbers, but it is exceptionally weather dependent," she said.

The Balloon Spectacular runs until March 19.