The United States and its allies stormed the beaches at Normandy, France 80 years ago, on this date in 1944. The anniversary is commemorated today in France as surviving members of the armed invasion will be in attendance. US President Joe Biden will be in attendance as well.

The invasion in 1944 was planned with the weather fully in mind. The invasion date was selected based on specific tidal conditions and moon phases. The Allies needed a low tide at dawn to see and avoid obstacles placed by the Germans on the beaches, but also a rising tide to help stranded landing craft float off. June 6th provided the optimal conditions, though the weather was less than ideal.

A team of British scientists and military personnel, led by Commander John Grieve, used innovative methods, including measuring sand samples from various beaches, to predict the best landing conditions. Their predictions proved accurate and were critical in planning the landings.

Weather played a crucial role in the timing of the invasion. Group Captain James Stagg, the chief meteorologist for the Allies, correctly predicted a brief window of improved weather on June 6th, leading to the go-ahead for the invasion despite initial poor forecasts.

The invasion’s complexity and the various elements that came together illustrate the immense scale and coordination required for such a pivotal military operation.

Our weather today includes the possibility of scattered afternoon thunderstorms as the thermometer will climb to about 87 degrees.

Mixed clouds and sun are expected on Friday with a high near 85 degrees.