Now three hours from the planned launch time. The chief worry today is the local weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center. Storm moved through a short time ago, although blue skies have since returned. The official launch forecast has worsened from a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions at liftoff time to 40 percent. <br /><br />"High pressure is building in over the Western Atlantic. On launch day, the high pressure ridge will remain north of KSC causing southeasterly flow over the area. Morning coastal showers are expected, and possibly thunderstorm activity over KSC as the sea breeze develops during the late morning/early afternoon, but the sea breeze should migrate inland by launch time," the launch weather officer reported. <br /><br />"Still, there is a threat the storms associated with the sea breeze will be within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility at launch time, causing a concern for Return to Launch Site (RTLS) weather. Additionally, upper level winds from the north-northwest have increased our concern for anvils from thunderstorms migrating into the area; therefore, the probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch increased to 40%." <br /><br />The outlook for Thursday and Friday are 60 percent "go" both days. <br />
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