Live updates: Artemis II launch final countdown, latest Florida forecast, and mission status updates

If you’ve been watching the countdown clocks and noticed they don’t quite match up, you aren't seeing a glitch. We have officially entered the first built-in hold of the day, highlighting the difference between L-time and T-time.

While L-time (Launch time) reflects the actual wall-clock time remaining until the 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff, T-time (Test time) is the sequence of events choreographed to the rocket's internal logic.

These built-in holds are scheduled pauses that allow teams to catch up on tasks or troubleshoot minor issues without delaying the actual launch.

During this pause, the T-clock stops while the L-clock keeps ticking toward the evening window.

This particular hold is a crucial breather for the launch team to finish chilling the propellant lines and verify that the initial flow of liquid oxygen and hydrogen into the SLS core stage is perfectly stable before the countdown resumes.

One of the most high-stakes moments of the morning is fast approaching at Kennedy Space Center. At 7:34 a.m. ET, Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson will lead the critical "Go/No-Go" poll to begin tanking operations.

This decision is the green light for engineers to start pumping more than 700,000 gallons of super-cooled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the SLS rocket.

Because these propellants are stored at temperatures as low as -423°F, the "tanking" process is a delicate, hours-long dance of thermal conditioning and pressure checks.

A "Go" here officially transitions the mission from a theoretical countdown into an active, fueled-up launch attempt.

Retired NASA Astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger joined FOX Weather to share her expertise and past experience when traveling into space in her career, along with her thoughts on the upcoming Artemis II mission.

Radar shows isolated showers moving by Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning.

Meteorologists are currently tracking isolated morning showers near Launch Pad 39B as the John F. Kennedy Space Center prepares to launch Artemis II later today.

These wandering showers remain a key watchpoint for the 45th Weather Squadron to ensure the SLS rocket stays clear of any moisture that could violate strict launch safety rules.

The countdown to the Moon began under a moody Florida sky this morning as clouds shrouded Launch Pad 39B in a murky gray.

NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida hours before liftoff.

While the 322-foot Space Launch System (SLS) rocket remains unobscured, the atmospheric scene served as a vivid reminder of the meteorological hurdles teams are watching today.

FOX Weather is providing LIVE, all-day coverage of the historic Artemis II launch.

Stay with FOX Weather for all-day coverage of this historic return to the Moon, featuring real-time analysis of the "Go/No-Go" weather conditions.

Meteorologists Steve Bender and Ian Oliver will lead our live broadcast, providing expert insight into the Florida forecast and the critical cloud rules that could impact the 6:24 p.m. ET launch window.

They will be joined by FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell and FOX News' Rebekah Castor, Sarah Alegre, and Amy Galo reporting live from the Kennedy Space Center, to bring you the sights and sounds from the pad as the Artemis II crew prepares for liftoff.

Click here to find out how to stream FOX Weather LIVE 24/7 on your favorite device.

The weather outlook for today’s historic Artemis II launch remains a promising 80% "Go," though meteorologists from the 45th Weather Squadron are keeping a close watch on a few potential deal-breakers.

Latest launch weather forecast from the Space Force 45th Weather Squadron.

The primary concerns for the 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff are the Cumulus Cloud Rule and the Thick Cloud Rule, as any significant moisture or cloud layers extending into freezing temperatures could trigger a scrub to protect the SLS rocket from atmospheric electrical discharge.

Additionally, teams are monitoring ground-level winds at Kennedy Space Center to ensure they remain within the safe peak liftoff range of 29 to 39 knots.

While Launch Weather Officer Mark Burger noted a low risk for lightning during a Tuesday weather briefing, the optimistic forecast still hinges on finding clear air between isolated showers wandering near the Space Coast.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (NASA/Cory S Huston)

The countdown to the Moon is officially entering its high-stakes final phases. To help you track every critical milestone from fueling to liftoff, here is the tick-tock of the major events scheduled for today.

• 7:34 a.m. ET – The "go/no-go" for tanking: Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson will poll the team to begin "tanking"—the delicate process of loading the SLS rocket with over 700,000 gallons of super-cooled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
• 9:45 a.m. ET – Crew wake-up call: Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew of three will receive their final wake-up call on Earth before their 10-day journey begins.
• 12:30 p.m. ET – Final weather briefing: The crew will receive a specialized weather update from the 45th Weather Squadron. While the forecast remains 80% "Go," meteorologists will be looking for any signs of developing afternoon sea breeze showers.
• 1:50 p.m. ET – Crew rollout: Just before 2 p.m., the four astronauts will exit the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, wave to family and media, and board the "Artemis Generation" transport vehicles for the drive to Launch Pad 39B.
• 6:07 p.m. ET – Final countdown: Launch Director will conduct the final "go/no-go" for launch and the Ground Launch Sequencer enters terminal count.
• 6:24 p.m. ET – Liftoff: The two-hour launch window officially opens.

The Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) has officially taken command of the countdown, marking a critical transition from manual oversight to automated precision.

As the brain of the launch pad, the GLS is now responsible for orchestrating thousands of simultaneous operations, including the final chilling of fuel lines and the pressurized loading of liquid oxygen and hydrogen.

If at any point during these final hours the sensors detect a technical glitch or a sudden shift in Florida's weather that violates safety constraints, the GLS can trigger an automatic hold or scrub in milliseconds—faster than any human could react—to protect the crew and the SLS rocket.

ICYMI: We spent yesterday tracking the 80% 'Go' forecast and the first stages of the SLS power-up.

See the full weather breakdown and Day 1 countdown highlights in our archived live blog.