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Launch weather forecast
Posted: May 19, 2006

 Forecast for Wednesday, May 24

Issued: Friday, May 19
Launch Weather Officer: 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "An overall weak upper level and surface pattern will be the dominant synoptic setup over the next several days. Warm and dry conditions are expected through most of the next week. Surface ridge axis will be south of the area resulting in light westerly flow in the morning and a sea breeze in the afternoon. Deep tropical moisture will be confined to south Florida. Conditions will be monitored for any moisture that may be trapped from the south.

"On launch day, if moisture levels are sufficient, isolated afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Main concerns during the launch window will be for clouds within 10 nautical miles that are associated with any isolated thunderstorms that may develop, and also for 54-foot level winds greater than 14 knots that are associated with the afternoon sea breeze."

Clouds: Cumulus Scattered at 3,000 feet with tops at 12,000 feet; and Cirrus Scattered at 25,000 feet with tops at 26,000 feet

Visibility: 10 miles

Launch Pad Winds: Southeasterly from 120 degrees at 8 to 12 knots

Temperature: 82-84 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 60 percent

Weather: Isolated thunderstorm vicinity west

Solar Activity: Low

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 30 percent

Concerns: Anvil cloud rule, cumulus cloud rule, launch winds (at 54-foot level)

 

 Forecast for 24-hour delay

Thursday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 30 percent
Concerns: Anvil cloud rule, cumulus cloud rule, launch winds (at 54-foot level)

 

 Times of note

Wednesday's launch window: 6:11-7:11 p.m. EDT (2211-2311 GMT)
Thursday's launch window: 6:11-7:11 p.m. EDT (2211-2311 GMT)

 

MISSION STATUS CENTER