A sign mimicking a giant New Mexico license plate welcomes visitors to the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Above average temperatures are expected this year as hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take to the skies beginning Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)