What action should be taken if a balloon encounters unforecast weather and shifts direction abruptly while in the vicinity of a thunderstorm?

• A. Land immediately
• B. Climb to avoid the storm
• C. Increase ascent rate
• D. Maintain heading and monitor

Answer: (A)

When a balloon suddenly encounters unforecast weather near a thunderstorm, the top priority is getting on the ground safely as quickly as possible. Thunderstorms bring dangerous conditions—gust fronts, rapid wind shifts, turbulence, and the potential for lightning and hail. None of the other actions reliably reduce those risks. Climbing to avoid the storm can put you into stronger updrafts and the storm’s core, where conditions are most unpredictable. Increasing ascent rate similarly pushes you into harsher vertical winds and may not escape the storm’s influence. Maintaining heading and monitoring keeps you airborne in the vicinity of the hazard, delaying a safe exit. Landing immediately in a safe, clear area minimizes exposure to the storm’s hazards and allows the crew to secure the balloon and move away from the area if needed.