While NASA is prepared for Wednesday’s launch, the weather could have other plans. Andrew Kozak has the forecast.
“Apart from high-tech challenges, weather could always complicate launch plans. Let’s check in with CBS News meteorologist Andrew Kozak for more on that.
Jericka, so excited for Wednesday. But no, you’re right. Complications from weather, we’ve seen it happen.
Let me talk about Florida. Brevard County, that’s where the Kennedy Space Center is located. Let’s talk about a couple of things we have to check off as we launch Artemis II Wednesday evening. Strict weather limits, no lightning, not a lot of wind, and good temperatures. We should be in range for that. We also have to look for a perfectly timed launch — that it goes with the motion of the Earth, that helps to boost the speed. And, of course, a built-in return path. Make sure everything is clear for a safe landing in the Pacific.
And as of right now — I know we have a couple days away — we are looking at temperatures that will be in the 70s. Maybe not perfect sky but mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies for the launch on Wednesday.
Let’s talk about the West because we are still dealing with fire danger heading into your Monday. In fact, critical fire danger possible for Wyoming once again and large portions of the Rockies.
Meantime, for your Monday in the Pacific Northwest, showers and thunderstorms and some mountain snow. And across the East, milder air works its way in. We’re looking at Florida. Few showers and thunderstorms for Monday.
Jericka.”