In May 1944, Allied Supreme Commander Eisenhower made the decision to launch the Allied Invasion of France on June 5, 1944. The most important factor related to favorable tides and moonlight conditions. But weather conditions were almost as important in the setting of the date. Climatologically, conditions in June were expected to be the best, but as the month of June 1944 arrived, weather maps looked very stormy.
Weather charts on June 3rd and 4th showed a depressing situation for forecasters and military leaders. An unprecedented number of low pressure systems poised to move across the invasion area. But Allied forecasters had an advantage. Since their forces controlled most of the North Atlantic and weather data was more plentiful to them than to the Germans, they could see what was coming. The Germans could not.
This data revealed a small window of better weather that would occur on Tuesday, June 6th. If the invasion could not be launched then, it might not be possible to launch it for a month, or perhaps even a year. On this date, Allied Supreme Commander Eisenhower made the decision to postpone the long-awaited invasion of France.
The masterful forecast permitted a successful surprise landing on the beaches of Normandy. A brief lull in the stormy weather allowed the invasion to commence, much to the surprise of the Germans, who thought the weather too inclement.
Weather charts on June 3rd and 4th showed a depressing situation for forecasters and military leaders. An unprecedented number of low pressure systems poised to move across the invasion area. But Allied forecasters had an advantage. Since their forces controlled most of the North Atlantic and weather data was more plentiful to them than to the Germans, they could see what was coming. The Germans could not.
This data revealed a small window of better weather that would occur on Tuesday, June 6th. If the invasion could not be launched then, it might not be possible to launch it for a month, or perhaps even a year. On this date, Allied Supreme Commander Eisenhower made the decision to postpone the long-awaited invasion of France.
The masterful forecast permitted a successful surprise landing on the beaches of Normandy. A brief lull in the stormy weather allowed the invasion to commence, much to the surprise of the Germans, who thought the weather too inclement.