Back to Forecasts

L-68 - L-1 Day

Delta IV Heavy

View PDF

Valid Period

Jun 20 - Jun 21, 2023

Issued

Tue Jun 20, 2023 at 13:00 UTC (09:00 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

An unsettled weather pattern will remain in place this week, characterized by above normal opportunities for showers and thunderstorms each day. While the highest threat for storms will target the afternoon and evening hours, there is a risk that earlier storms and associated clouds may persist into the overnight hours as a series of upper-level disturbances interact with a surface boundary across north Florida. A subtle shift in this boundary and the flow aloft appear to unfold during the latter portions of the week, leading to somewhat more favorable overnight launch weather. Additionally, overnight sustained winds are likely to remain elevated, although easing somewhat by late week. Given these considerations, a high threat exists for nearby showers and storms during evening MST rollback operations, with the potential for remnant anvil and cumulus clouds persisting later into the night.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

75%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Anvil Cloud Rules
  • Cumulus Cloud Rule
  • Ground Winds

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Solar ActivityLow

Backup Opportunities

24-Hour Delay

Backup Window

80%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Anvil Cloud Rules
  • Ground Winds

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Solar ActivityLow
48-Hour Delay

Backup Window

80%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Anvil Cloud Rules

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Solar ActivityLow