GPS III-9 - L-2 Days

Forecast Discussion: Today into tomorrow, a complex winter storm system will continue to develop over the eastern US, bringing significant ice and snow to large portions of the country. The parent low will drag a strong cold front into the Florida panhandle tomorrow, but most of the state will experience near-record high temperatures and dry conditions due to the enhanced south/southwesterly winds ahead of the front. However, on Monday morning the front will bring scattered showers to East Central Florida as it pushes through the region. Behind the front, much colder and drier air will filter in as northerly winds significantly increase due to a tightening pressure gradient. Thus, the main concern for the primary attempt on Monday night is winds exceeding liftoff constraints. Additionally, elevated winds and waves in the recovery area behind the departing storm will be a watch item. On Tuesday, winds at both the launch site and recovery area will decrease as high pressure pushes into the Southeast, relaxing the pressure gradient. This will allow for very favorable launch conditions, with the only concern being the negligible risk of a Cumulus Cloud Rule violation.