Launch weather forecast
Posted: February 2, 2004

 Forecast for Thursday, February 5

Issued: Monday, February 2
Launch Weather Officer: Darren W. Murphy, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "Thursday will be warm and mostly cloudy with an approaching low-pressure system that is expected to move northeast into Alabama and Georgia. The system is forecast to slow and stall before reaching our area, but moisture levels indicate a considerable cloudiness with showers in the vicinity. Winds are expected to be gusty. The weakened front passes through on Friday but still gives a higher probability of violating launch constraints with clouds and showers and some possible lightning. Saturday most of the front and associated moisture will be to the east of the Cape."

Clouds: Scattered at 3,000 feet with 2-4/8ths sky coverage and tops at 5,000 feet; Scattered-to-Broken at 10,000 feet with 3-5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 14,000 feet; Scattered at 25,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 30,000 feet

Visibility: 7 miles

Launch Pad Winds: Southeasterly from 150 degrees at 18 to 24 knots

Temperature: 68 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 70 percent

Weather: Possible showers

Solar Activity: Low

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 40 percent

Concerns: Winds at 90-foot level greater than 25 knots, clouds

 

 Forecast for Friday and Saturday

Friday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 60 percent
Concerns: Winds at 90-foot level, clouds, lightning

Saturday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 10 percent
Concerns: Clouds