Issued: Saturday, August 26
Launch Weather Officer: Kathy Winters, 45th Weather Squadron
Synoptic Discussion: "Currently, the Bermuda high pressure ridge is located over South Florida, and a low pressure trough is over North Florida slowly nudging southward. There is abundant moisture in the atmosphere over Kennedy Space Center (KSC) today, and the east coast sea breeze will develop this afternoon, causing low level convergence in the area. With the ingredients in place, plus two triggers, the trough to the north and the afternoon sea breeze, widespread thunderstorms and heavy rain will affect KSC again today.
"Sunday, the ridge over South Florida will migrate into Central Florida causing southerly flow over the area. A sea breeze will develop again in the late morning, and showers and thunderstorms will develop along the sea breeze over KSC beginning near the noon hour. The sea breeze will slowly progress to the west, and by launch time, will be west of KSC. Still, showers and thunderstorms with associated anvils will threaten the area within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility and 10 nautical miles of the launch pad. Our primary concerns for launch is showers and thunderstorms with associated anvils.
"Monday and Tuesday, the ridge will be north of Central Florida, causing easterly flow over KSC. Also, dryer air will set in. Although isolated showers may still develop along the sea breeze, the easterly flow will move the sea breeze inland allowing for favorable launch weather."
Clouds: Cumulus Scattered at 3,000 feet and tops at 6,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage; Altocumulus Scattered at 12,000 feet and tops at 13,000 feet with 2/8ths sky coverage; Cirrus Scattered at 25,000 feet and tops at 26,000 feet with 4/8ths sky coverage
Visibility: 7 miles
Launch Pad Winds: Southeasterly from 120 degrees at 10 to 15 knots
Temperature: 86 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 65 percent
Weather: Thunderstorms vicinity
Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 60 percent
Concerns: Showers and thunderstorms with associated anvils
