Launch weather forecast
Posted: April 3, 2003

 Forecast for Sunday, April 6

Issued: Thursday, April 3
Launch Weather Officer: Johnny Weems, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "High pressure, surface and aloft, will produce near perfect conditions today. Increasing tropical moisture, onshore winds, warming temperatures, and an approaching upper level disturbance will increase probability of afternoon showers Friday through Sunday. An approaching front Monday through Wednesday will enhance the chance of widespread precipitation, including thunderstorms.

"The greatest concerns for Sunday morning's attempt will be layered clouds and precipitation. Chance of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon/evening could impact launch preparations."

Clouds: Scattered at 3,000 feet with 2-3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 5,000 feet; Scattered-to-broken at 14,000 feet with 4-5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 18,000 feet; and Broken at 26,000 feet with 3-4/8ths sky coverage and tops at 29,000 feet

Visibility: 7 miles

Launch Pad Winds: Southeasterly from 140 degrees at 8 gusting to 12 knots

Temperature: 72 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 70 percent

Weather: Isolated showers

Solar Weather Activity: Low

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 30 percent

Concerns: Layered clouds and precipitation

 

 24- and 48-hour Delay Forecasts

Monday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 60 percent
Concerns: Showers, layered clouds and thunderstorm/anvils

Tuesday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 60 percent
Concerns: Showers, layered clouds and thunderstorm/anvils

 

MISSION STATUS CENTER