NATCHEZ — The weatherman is smiling, and you should be too, he says.

“The weekend is going to be beautiful for Natchez,” meteorologist Ernest Ethridge said. “It will be cool in the morning, mild in the afternoon and a good weekend for flying.”

Ethridge is the official weatherman for the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, and watching Natchez skies in mid-October is something he’s done since the early 1990s.

Ethridge, who is always quick to point out that weather predictions do change and nothing is final until minutes before the balloons take off, said it’s quite possible every scheduled balloon race event this weekend may go off without a hitch.

Skies look to be clear and rain free all weekend, he said, and winds should be just right most of the time.

The Friday morning media flight — set for 7 a.m. — may see the highest winds, but Ethridge said takeoff should be possible.

Winds are expected to drop below 5 mph after dark, meaning the balloon glow is a go.

Saturday winds should be light, and the afternoon barge drop — set for 3:30 p.m. — could allow for an interesting scenario.

“(Balloons) could go across the river and then fly back,” Ethridge said.

Winds, he said, are predicted to be headed in one direction at one altitude and in another direction a bit higher up, giving balloonists the rare opportunity to reverse their path in mid air.

Sunday winds should be coming from the southwest, moving from Natchez to Vidalia.

All flights are weather permitting and paths won’t be determined until minutes before takeoff.