Mother Nature could eclipse the eclipse, top meteorologists told USA TODAY Thursday when asked about the weather forecast for the April 8 display, which is now 10 days away.
The total eclipse will pass over a dozen states as it travels from Texas to Maine on the afternoon of April 8. Millions of people are expected to travel to see it, which will also attract scientists from across the country. To study its unique effects above the earth and its atmosphere.
A full total solar eclipse experience will plunge people into afternoon darkness in a narrow path, but people outside the path of totality can use eclipse glasses (perhaps free eclipse glasses) to see the moon pass in front of the sun.
That is, if the clouds don't get in the way.
Forecast of Central Govt Center for Climate Prediction Meteorologist Anthony Arduza said April 8 will see “widespread cloudiness and showers for much of the eastern part of the country”. “Of course, this is not conducive to good viewing conditions near the path of totality on April 8.”
AccuWeather Meteorologist John Feierk was on the pessimistic side, predicting “lots of clouds” from East Texas to the Ohio Valley on April 8.
Both forecasters interviewed agree that it is difficult to be certain about the weather so far ahead. Trying to predict day-to-day weather conditions this far in is “very challenging, this fact cannot be overstated,” Arduza said.
And some eclipse chasers say the clouds aren't a deal breaker. The shadow of the moon plunges everything in its narrow path into darkness regardless of whether there are clouds in the sky, and the writer and chaser of the eclipse. Jamie Carter On that day WhenistheNextEclipse.com Anyone who hasn't seen an eclipse is advised not to be intimidated by the clouds.
Meanwhile, early forecasts have a surprise for people living in the Northeast: They show that the further northeast you go, the better the chances of clear skies. This goes against historical trends for cloudiness.
A surprising early cloud forecast for the eclipse
“At this early stage, computer model runs depict a developing storm in the southeast during the eclipse, with extensive cloud cover and precipitation spreading over the eastern half of the country,” Arduza said.
Surprisingly, these early forecasts show that the further northeast you go, the better your chances for clear skies. “Inland New England appears to be the best choice in upstate New York,” Arduza added.
Jonathan Erdman of Weather.comAn online forecast released Thursday afternoon said “parts of the Northeast may see less cloud cover and precipitation” compared to the Central United States.
How to see the 2024 solar eclipse if there are no clouds blocking it?
There are a few ways to view the eclipse:
- Get the full experience in person: If you're in the narrow strip of American land that stretches from Texas to Maine, you'll see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You can briefly look up without eye protection and the moon blocks the sun.
- See the path of perfection from the outside: Much of the United States will get a partial view of the eclipse, which isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth is not in total darkness and you need to wear safety glasses to see the moon partially blocking the sun.
- Watch the live broadcast: Check back on April 8 for a video feed from Path of Perfection. It's not the same as in person, but hey, at least you don't have to sit in traffic.
What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?
The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 pm EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse will vary depending on where you are in its path.
You can search by zip code to find the exact time for your location.
Where can we see the April eclipse?
At least 48 U.S. states will be able to see the moon at least as far as the sun, but that view is less than in the path of totality.
With some of the nation's largest cities on or near the short route, expect millions of people to congregate in the more than 100-mile stretch of land that stretches from the Texas/Mexico border to the Maine/Canada border.
Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality (note when the partial eclipse begins and ends):
- Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 pm CDT
- Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 pm CDT
- Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 pm CDT
- Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 pm CDT
- Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 pm CDT
- Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 pm CDT
- Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 pm CDT
- Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 pm EDT
- Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 pm EDT
- Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 pm EDT
- Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 pm EDT
- Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 pm EDT
- Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 pm EDT
NASA does not certify solar eclipse glasses
In the forefront The much-anticipated total solar eclipse saw the online marketplace flooded with manufacturers claiming to sell NASA-approved safety glasses.
A stamp of approval from one of the world's leading aerospace companies sounds prestigious, doesn't it?
This should be a sure sign to avoid that particular product if possible.
It's not because the US space agency lacks respect or knowledge when it comes to all things cosmic. But since NASA is not in the business of endorsing commercial products of any kind.
Online marketplaces are flooded with retailers selling solar eclipse glasses. Consider that a red flag to look elsewhere.
