What is the weather forecast for the solar eclipse on 8 April 2024?
Millions have made plans to be in the path of totality for the 8 April solar eclipse. Mother Nature will have the final word on whether it will be visible.
More than 31 million Americans live in the path of totality of the solar eclipse taking place on Monday 8 April. Millions more have made travel plans and reserved lodging along the route the Moon’s shadow will take across 15 states from Texas to New England.
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However, the only people that are almost certainly guaranteed to be able to see the celestial event are those who will be aboard the special DL 1218 flight by Delta airlines. That’s because flying at 30,000 feet, they will be above any potential clouds that could block their view.
But how about those on the ground? What are the meteorologists saying the weather will be during the solar eclipse?
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What is the weather forecast for the solar eclipse on 8 April 2024?
The National Weather Service is issuing daily updated forecasts for Monday 8 April. The most recent one on Saturday is similar to the one issued on Friday, which will please those hoping to catch a glimpse in some areas more than others.
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, meteorologists say there is a 20-30% chance of rain showers during the solar eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania and western New York. The weather system in parts of the Southern Plains and the lower Mississippi Valley have more than a 70% chance of developing into severe thunderstorms Monday evening and Tuesday. These could also lead to flooding resulting in hazardous travel after the eclipse.