All eyes will be on the Space Coast on Wednesday for the first manned launch to space from U.S. soil since STS-135, the last shuttle mission that lifted off from the same launch pad 9 years ago. The Falcon 9 Crew Dragon will be taking flight on Wednesday, with a scheduled launch time of 4:33 PM EDT Wednesday afternoon. The weather forecast is incredibly important to the mission, as ideal conditions must exist, both at the launch site and other potential areas in case an emergency occurs. NASA has a long list of criteria that must be met in order to launch any space craft. There is a chance for thunderstorms in the area during launch time on Wednesday and this could create some delays due to lightning and other criteria, such as thunderstorm anvil clouds or cumulus clouds that could delay the launch or lead to a scrub.
Right now the 45th Weather Squadron, at Patrick AFB, which is responsible for forecasting weather for these launches is giving a 60% chance of favorable conditions for launch, with the primary concerns being, thunderstorm anvil clouds in the vicinity, cumulus clouds and the possiblity of the vehicle encountering precipitation. If any of these violations occur, the launch will be scrubbed and delayed to Saturday.
FOX 4 CHIEF METEOROLOGIST DEREK BEASLEY
