Issued: Sunday, May 11
Launch Weather Officer: Jim Sardonia, 45th Weather Squadron
Synoptic Discussion: "Record high temperatures are expected today in some areas of Central Florida with High's in the lower to mid 90's.
"Generally favorable weather is expected on Launch Day, however there will be a concern for Enhanced Cumulus Clouds all afternoon from two sources. Model guidance is suggesting there will be a chance of scattered rainshowers developing in the afternoon hours along the remnants of an old front that is moving through the Florida peninsula. The exact location of this boundary will be critical, the likelihood of violating the triggered Lightning LCC due to Enhanced Cumulus Clouds will increase the closer this line is to Cape Canaveral. Currently, I expect the line to remain north of Cape Canaveral at the opening of the launch window. Also, Enhanced Cumulus Clouds will be possible throughout the day developing along the east-coast sea breeze in the afternoon hours. The sea breeze is not expected to push very far inland, therefore some of these Cumulus Clouds may be within 10 nautical miles of SLC 41 and violate the Cumulus Cloud Rule at some point in the launch countdown.
"In the event of a 24 hr delay, conditions now appear to improve slightly with only a slight concern for Cumulus Clouds.
"The main concern for Launch Day is the chance of enhanced Cumulus clouds within 10 nautical miles of SLC 41."
Clouds: Scattered Cumulus at 3,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 8,000 feet; Scattered Cirrus at 24,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 26,000 feet
Visibility: 7 miles or better
Launch Pad Winds: Southeasterly from 140 degrees at 10 gusting to 18 knots (as measured at 230 feet)
Temperature: 82 to 84 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 80 percent
Weather: Isolated Rainshowers inland
Solar Activity: Low
Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 30 percent
Concerns: Chance of Enhanced Cumulus Clouds within 10 nautical miles
