$2 Billion For Weather Satellites

Submitted by Allison Chinchar, Meteorologist

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012, 6:01pm

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, is requesting $2 billion in their 2013 fiscal budget for their satellite programs. The 9% increase would cover both geostationary and polar-orbiting spacecraft, as well as a space weather mission, and a joint ocean research observatory with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The exact budget details propose spending around $916 million on the Joint Polar Satellite System, JPSS, which is a satellite program that monitors weather and climate patterns from orbit. The JPSS funding would be around $8 million less than was given the previous year. The JPSS program is fairly new, and includes two satellites, the first of which is set to launch in early 2017.

DSCOVR Satellite Courtesy: Spaceflight Now

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Atlanta Weather | Wednesday Evening

Submitted by Mike Francis, Chief Meteorologist

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012, 4:14pm

Short Term

This evening we are tracking strong t-storms in Rabun and Habersham counties in the NE section of the state that were severe earlier this afternoon. There will still be storms in the NE sections of the state. Forecast track has some storms developing in the metro area later tonight, but I still think the chance is less than 20%

Mid Range

Tomorrow will bring a better chance for afternoon t-storms as a strong cold front approaches us, but the better chance will be on Friday. Friday afternoon will bring us a better chance of t-storms in the early part of the day, then the weekend will be spectacular with highs in the 80's with low humidity

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Ernesto Over Land/More Tropical Waves to Watch

Submitted by Chris Holcomb, 11Alive Meteorologist

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012, 9:56am

Ernesto Over Land/More Tropical Waves to Watch

Ernesto is weakening over land in Mexico. It was downgraded early this morning from a hurricane to a tropical storm. It has potential to briefly get back to hurricane strength as it moves back out over water in the Bay of Campeche. It would then make a second landfall on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. This storm is too far south to have any impact on us.

Remember, Florence? (Shown as #2 on the map) Florence was a tropical storm in the far eastern Atlantic that fell apart this week. The National Hurricane Center is still watching the remnants of that storm. It doesn't look like it will redevelop into a tropical storm.

Potential forecast track of Invest 92-L.

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More Sun/Fewer Showers

Submitted by Chris Holcomb, 11Alive Meteorologist

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012, 8:30am

We will see a little more sunshine breaking through the clouds today. Our rain chance also goes down a little to 30%. Temps will warm to 88 this afternoon.

We continue with a 30% chance of showers on Thursday. Then, an approaching cold front will increase our rain chance on Friday. We may even have some strong tstorms late Friday.

I don't want to "oversell" your weekend forecast, but right now, it's looking good! If this front makes it all the way through, it will bring in some drier air for the weekend. That lower humidity will help those temps in the 80s feel much nicer.

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Big Storms Trying to Move Into the Metro

Submitted by Mike Francis, Chief Meteorologist

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012, 10:52pm

Big Storms Trying to Move Into the Metro

A cluster of very strong t-storms is trying to move into the metro area from the south. As of 11pm the storms were located in Butts and jasper counties and moving northward at arojund 15 mph. Very heavy rain and dangerous lightning have been reported within these t-storms, but as of now now no reports of wind or hail. Forecast track has these storms disipating before reaching the metro area, but if they hold together they will make it here by around 1am. I will keep you updated.

For more on the forecast and some cool humor, head to my facebook page and follow me on twitter:

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MARTA escalators to close for upgrades on Wednesday

Submitted by Eden Godbee, Where U Live Producer

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012, 10:26pm

ATLANTA -- On Wednesday, MARTA will begin upgrading the two escalators at Peachtree Center Station near the Food Court entrance on the northeast concourse.

The elevators will be out of service until the end of October. This face lift is a part of the steps MARTA is taking to "modernize" the train system.

Patrons will be able to use the elevator or the exit near the U.S. Post Office and AmericasMart.

MARTA officials say, "directional signage and MARTA staff are available in Peachtree Center Station to assist customers."

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Atlanta Weather | Tuesday Evening

Submitted by Mike Francis, Chief Meteorologist

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012, 7:37pm

Short Term

Tonight we will see showers and some t-storms off to the east of the metro area, mainly out towards the Athens area. For the metro we will see a small chance of rain, lows will be in the lower 70's.

Towards the Weekend

Thursday is looking very nice with only a slim chance of rain, highs will be in the upper 80's and a fewer lower 90's in the southern sections of the state. Friday night could bring a chance of severe weather to the northern sections of the state. Look for a much cooler and drier weekend!

For more on the forecast and some cool humor, head to my facebook page and follow me on twitter:

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