Launch weather forecast
Posted: May 12, 2003

 Forecast for Monday, May 12

Issued: Monday, May 12
Launch Weather Officer: Jim Sardonia, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "Hot and humid conditions will persist today with highs in the lower 90's. Currently, the old frontal boundary discussed in earlier forecasts is located in north-central Florida as expected. This boundary is producing enhanced Cumulus clouds, a few rainshowers and one or two thunderstorms on the western portion of the line (125 nautical miles from Cape Canaveral). Anvil clouds from these thunderstorms are streaming quickly to the east coast of FL. The entire boundary is slowing moving south, therefore there continues to be a chance of enhanced Cumulus Clouds and Anvil Clouds within 10 nautical miles of SLC 41 during the launch window as this boundary drifts south. An easterly sea breeze is expected at the launch pad, but it is not expected to push very far inland, therefore any Cumulus Clouds forming along the sea breeze may be within 10 nautical miles of SLC 41 as well.

"In the event of a 24 hr delay, conditions appear to improve with only a slight concern for Cumulus Clouds.

"The main concerns for Launch Day is the chance of enhanced Cumulus clouds and Anvil 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: 83 to 85 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 80 percent

Weather: Isolated Rainshowers inland

Solar Activity: Low

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 20 percent

Concerns: Chance of Enhanced Cumulus Clouds and Anvil Clouds within 10 nautical miles

 

 Forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 10 percent
Concerns: Chance of Enhanced Cumulus Clouds within 10 nautical miles

Wednesday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 20 percent
Concerns: Chance of Enhanced Cumulus Clouds within 10 nautical miles

 


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