MER-B/Opportunity Launch Weather Forecast - July 3, 2003

Eastern Range Operations Forecast
Issued: 3 July 03
Valid: 6 July 03 10:43 p.m. 11:26 p.m. EDT

Vehicle/Payload:
Delta II / MER-B

Location:
Pad 17-B

Launch Weather Officer:
Joel Tumbiolo

Synoptic Discussion:

High pressure ridge axis will be over central FL by the weekend. This
will result in SE flow through a good portion of the lower atmosphere.
Most sea breeze induced thunderstorm activity will be confined interior
sections of central FL by the afternoon and evening. Main concern for
the launch windows will be from remnant cloud cover associated with the
afternoon thunderstorms, and any showers and thunderstorms that may
develop off shore during the evening.

Clouds
Coverage
Bases (feet)
Tops (feet)

SCT030
2/8
3,000
6,000

SCT080
5/8
8,000
12,000

BKN250
6/8
25,000
27,000

Visibility:
7 miles

Wind:
150 degrees / 8 - 12 KTS
Pressu
30.06 IN HG

Temperatu
78 F - 80 F
RH:
80%

Weather:
Mostly Cloudy

Overall probability of violating weather constraints:
30%

Primary concern(s):
Cumulus Cloud Rule, Anvil Cloud Rule, Debris Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay:
30%

Primary concern(s):
Same

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

Primary concern(s):
Same

Sunrise:
6 July 03 / 0631 EDT
7 July 03 / 0632 EDT
Moonrise/
% illumination
6 July 03 / 1306 EDT / 50%
7 July 03 / 1408 EDT / 56 %

Sunset:
6 July 03 / 2023 EDT
7 July 03 / 2023 EDT
Moonset:
7 July 03 / 0121 EDT
8 July 03 / 0156 EDT

Next forecast will be issued:
5 July 03