At the launch pad, external tank purge activities are complete and orbiter aft compartment close-outs conclude this afternoon. Launch controllers will begin the countdown at the T-43 hour mark at 7 p.m. today.

Weather forecasters indicate a 70 percent chance of favorable weather on launch day. The forecast calls for scattered clouds at 4,000 – 7,000 feet and broken clouds at 25,000 – 31,000 feet; visibility at 7 miles; winds out of the east at 10 gusting to 15 knots; temperature at 77 degrees F and relative humidity at 45 percent. The primary concern is the potential for thunderstorm anvil clouds.