Spaceflight Now | Delta Launch Report | Launch weather forecast

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Launch weather forecast
Posted: December 19, 2004

Forecast for Tuesday, December 21

Issued: Sunday, December 19
Launch Weather Officer: Kathy Winters, 45th Weather Squadron
Synoptic Discussion: "A cold front will move through the area tonight bringing Arctic air into Central Florida. Freezing temperatures will occur in Central Florida for both Monday and Tuesday mornings, but temperatures will begin to moderate by Tuesday afternoon. Strong winds will follow the front on Monday, but high pressure will set into Florida Tuesday allowing for winds to subside.
"A slight concern remains for a violation of ground winds during the launch window Tuesday.
"On Wednesday, an area of low pressure will form in the Northern Gulf of Mexico bringing a warm front into Florida, causing concern for ground winds and precipitation if the launch delays 24 hours."
Clouds: Scattered at 4,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 6,000 feet
Visibility: 10 miles
Launch Pad Winds: East-northeasterly from 070 degrees at 8 gusting to 12 knots
Temperature: 63 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 60 percent
Weather: Partly cloudy
Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 10 percent
Concerns: Ground wind

Times of note

Tuesday's launch window: 2:36 to 5:31 p.m. EST (1932-2231 GMT)
Tuesday's sunset: 5:31 p.m. EST (2231 GMT)
Wednesday's launch window: 2:36 to 5:32 p.m. EST (1932-2232 GMT)
Wednesday's sunset: 5:32 p.m. EST (2232 GMT)

24- and 48-hour Delay Forecasts

Wednesday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 40 percent
Concerns: Ground wind, flight through precipitation and cumulus cloud rules
Thursday's Probability of Violating Constraints: N/A
Concerns: N/A

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