Launch weather forecast
Posted: March 7, 2003

 Forecast for Saturday, March 8

Issued: Friday, March 7
Launch Weather Officer: Joel Tumbiolo, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "No significant changes to forecast reasoning. Next weak frontal boundary will approach from the north later today. This boundary now appears that it will be located just south of the area during the launch window, while becoming diffuse and stationary. Hence, winds will be more onshore. However, the exact location of boundary during the window is still tough to pinpoint, and changes could occur. Again, exact wind direction will depend on the location of boundary.

"A second boundary will approach later in the weekend, early next week, with similar results. Main concerns on launch day will be for clouds and precipitation associated with the frontal boundary. Ground winds, although expected to be light, will be a minor concern."

Clouds: Scattered at 3,000 feet with 2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 7,000 feet; Broken at 10,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 12,000 feet; Broken at 28,000 feet with 5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 30,000 feet

Visibility: 7 miles

Launch Pad Winds: Easterly from 100 degrees at 8 gusting to 12 knots

Temperature: 74 to 76 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 80 percent

Weather: Showers, isolated thunderstorm vicinity

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 40 percent

Concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Rule, precipitation, ground winds

 

 24- and 48-hour Delay Forecasts

Sunday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 30 percent
Concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Rule, precipitation, ground winds

Monday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 30 percent
Concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Rule, precipitation, ground winds

 

MISSION STATUS CENTER