2024 Total solar eclipse weather forecast: will there be clouds or a clear sky

On Monday, 8 April, millions across the US will be able to witness a total solar eclipse. During an eclipse, the moon covers the sun, leading to momentary darkness in the middle of the day, typically reserved for dawn and dusk. For the 31 million in the path of totality, travel plans have been made, and hotels are fully booked along the route the Moon’s shadow will take across 15 states from Texas to New England.

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Now, with the celestial event just a day away, we can bring you the latest weather forecast, allowing for last-minute adjustments for those who may have planned to view the eclipse in an area where cloud cover is expected.

Clouds are moving in...

The only spectators who will be safe from cloud cover disruptions are the passengers of Delta Airlines’ special DL 1218 flight. That’s because, flying at 30,000 feet will be above any potential clouds that could block their view.

The National Weather Service (NSW) expects clouds to cover areas including Texas and southern Arkansas in the South. In the Midwest, spectators in Ohio may have trouble seeing the eclipse, whereas on the East Coast, views in northwest Pennsylvania and New York could also be distributed by the clouds.

What about rain? Areas that could be impacted by storms

While cloud cover can create viewing challenges, some spectators may be hit by rain storms. Clear skies along the path of totality are most likely to be found over northern New England, while that could also be the case from northern Arkansas to central Indiana, although there is a higher chance clouds could get in the way there. However, there is a twenty to thirty percent chance of rain in Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and western New York.

Many of the major cities in Ohio that are in the path of totality, including Mansfield and Akron, are not expected to see much rain on Monday. In Pennsylvania, Eerie falls in the path of totality, and while it is expected to be a bit colder and cloudier, the chance of rain remains low. As for New York, Rochester and Syracuse have an even lower chance of rain than all the other cities previously mentioned.

Down in Texas, those who had hoped to view the event from Dallas and Fort Worth may need to rethink their plans as rain is expected on Monday. Additionally, the NWS predicts rain “from the path of totally across the Nothern Plains and from Tennessee Valley to the central Appalachians.”