MER-B/Opportunity Launch Weather Forecast – July 7, 2003

Eastern Range Operations Forecast Op Number: F7336
Issued: 7 July 03 (0700 EDT)
Valid: 8 July 03 0235Z, 0318Z

Vehicle/Payload: Delta II / MER-B

Location: SLC 17B

Launch Weather Officer: Joel Tumbiolo

Synoptic Discussion:

No changes to forecast reasoning. Most sea breeze induced thunderstorm
activity will be confined to interior and western sections of FL by the
afternoon and evening. Main concern for the launch windows will be from
thunderstorm anvil clouds that are associated with thunderstorms located
well to the NW-NE, and any showers and thunderstorms that may develop off
shore SE of the area during the evening.

Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)
SCT030 2/8 3,000 6,000
SCT080 2/8 8,000 10,000
SCT250 3/8 25,000 27,000
Visibility: 7 miles

Wind: 150 / 8 G 12 KTS Pressure: 30.12 IN HG

Temperature: 78 F – 80 F RH: 80%

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Anvil Cloud Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20%

Primary concern(s): same

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 48 hour delay: 30%

Primary concern(s): same

Sunrise: 7 July 03 / 0632 EDT

8 July 03 / 0632 EDT

Moonrise/% illumination 7 July 03 / 1408 EDT / 56%
8 July 03 / 1513 EDT / %

Sunset: 7 July 03 / 2023 EDT
8 July 03 / 2023 EDT

Moonset:8 July 03 / 0156 EDT
9 July 03 / 0234 EDT

Next forecast will be issued: As needed