Orlando weather: Forecast looks good for Artemis II launch

Orlando AM Weather Forecast: Small rain chances, conditions good for launch

FOX 35 Storm Team meteorologist Brooks Garner takes a look at the forecast, when Central Florida could expect rain and how the weather looks for the Artemis II launch. 

ORLANDO, Fla. - Another beautiful, breezy Florida spring day is ahead! 

Expect a mix of clouds and sun, and that onshore breeze is already noticeable. Expect winds out of the east around 10 to 20 mph, picking up at times later today. 

Most of the morning stays dry, but a few showers are possible at midday. Launch weather looks good.

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We do have a better shot at a few passing showers compared to yesterday, mainly midday. These will push in from the coast and work inland. Rain should end for the day before 3 p.m. Coverage is still pretty limited, around 20 percent, so not a washout by any means. 

Highs land in the low 80s inland, cooler near the beaches with that steady ocean breeze.

If you are watching the Cape closely, there will likely be a brief round of showers around lunchtime. The trend still favors those moving out far before the evening launch window.

Not a great beach day overall. Rough surf continues with a moderate rip current risk. Seas running about 2 to 5 feet, and we have higher tides through the morning hours the next few days.

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Easter weekend

We heat things up heading into Friday and Saturday, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 80s and fewer rain chances. 

That changes by Easter Sunday as moisture increases again, bringing scattered afternoon showers and a bit of a cooldown into early next week.

Artemis II launch weather outlook

Here is the bottom line: The weather concern is earlier in the day, not at launch time. Showers could be around the Space Coast during lunch and early afternoon, but the expectation is they shift away before 5 p.m. After that, it comes down to the strict cloud rules. Even if it looks quiet, conditions have to meet NASA’s criteria with cloud distance and thickness. 

So while the weather is trending in the right direction, it is not a slam dunk just yet, but it's highly likely a, "Go."

IF THEY SCRUB FOR ANY REASON, launch weather tomorrow is not as optimistic, due to a higher rain chance.