[meteorite-list] MER/Delta 2 Launch Weather Forecast - June 6, 2003

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:22:34 2004
Message-ID: <200306061550.IAA22812_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

MER/Delta 2 launch weather forecast

Eastern Range Operations Forecast Op Number: F7326
Issued: 6 Jun 03 (0700 EDT)
Valid: 8 Jun 03 (2:05 p.m., 2:44 p.m. EDT)

Vehicle/Payload: Delta II / MER-A

Location: Pad 17-A

Launch Weather Officer: Joel Tumbiolo

Synoptic Discussion:
Once again, no changes to current forecast reasoning. Subtropical ridge
will be the dominant large scale feature in control, with a weak frontal
boundary located over northern FL. This boundary will keep the low level
high pressure ridge axis south of the area through mid next week. This will
result in the continuation of south-southwesterly flow throughout the
atmosphere. Moisture levels will remain high, and will provide the fuel for
daily afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime heating, in addition to local sea
and lake breezes will be the triggers for thunderstorm development. Main
concerns during will be cumulus clouds and developing thunderstorms within
in the vicinity of the launch pad/flight path.

Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)
BKN030 5/8 3,000 10,000
BKN100 5/8 10,000 18,000
BKN180 6/8 18,000 25,000
Visibility: 7 miles

Wind: 150 degrees / 10 - 15 KTS Pressure: 30.00 IN HG

Temperature: 82 F - 84 F RH: 70%

Weather: Showers and thunderstorms in the vicinity

Solar Activity: N/A

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Lightning Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Lightning Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 48 hour delay: 60%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Lightning Rule

Sunrise: 8 June 03 / 0625 EDT 9 June 03 / 0625 EDT 10 June 03 / 0625 EDT
Moonrise/ (% illum): 8 June 03 / 1411 EDT / % 9 June 03 / 1514 EDT / % 10
June 03 / 1619 EDT / %
Sunset: 8 June 03 / 2018 EDT 9 June 03 / 2019 EDT 10 June 03 / 2019 EDT
Moonset: 9 June 03 / 0247 EDT 10 June 03 / 0321 EDT 11 June 03 / 0358 EDT
Next forecast will be issued: 7 June 03
Received on Fri 06 Jun 2003 11:50:14 AM PDT