Weather forecast for MER-A launch on June 9

Eastern Range Operations Forecast Op Number: F7326

Issued: 8 Jun 03 (1300 EDT)

Valid: 9 Jun 03 (2:02 p.m. 2:40 p.m.)

Vehicle/Payload: Delta II / MER-A

Location: Pad 17-A

Launch Weather Officer: Joel Tumbiolo, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion:

High moistures levels, daytime heating, and local sea and lake breezes will trigger widespread thunderstorm development over the state again on Monday. Conditions are expected to improve on Tuesday as drier air moves in thunderstorms will concentrate more over inland sections. Main concerns during will be cumulus clouds, developing thunderstorms, and associated anvil clouds within 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

BKN250 6/8 25,000 28,000

Visibility: 7 miles

Wind: 100 degrees / 10 – 15 KTS

Pressure: 30.00 IN HG

Temperature: 83 degrees

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, Anvil Cloud Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 40%

Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Lightning Rule, Anvil Cloud Rule

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

Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Lightning Rule, Anvil Cloud Rule

Sunrise:

• 9 June 03 / 0625 EDT
• 10 June 03 / 0625 EDT

Moonrise/ (% illum):

• 9 June 03 / 1514 EDT / %
• 10 June 03 / 1619 EDT / %

Sunset:

• 9 June 03 / 2019 EDT
• 10 June 03 / 2019 EDT

Moonset:

• 10 June 03 / 0321 EDT
• 11 June 03 / 0358 EDT

Next forecast will be issued: 9 June 03