Clouds possible on day of eclipse, according to Farmers Almanac
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Millions across the country are preparing for the total solar eclipse on April 8 but some may get clearer views than others, according to the Farmers Almanac.
The almanac recently released its weather forecast predictions for areas inside and outside the path of totality. Those planning to view the eclipse in the southwest U.S. might be luckier than those in the northern part of the country getting cloud cover.
Here’s what the almanac says for those in the path:
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City | Duration of Totality | Forecast |
Austin, Texas | 1 min. 53 sec. (1:36 p.m.) | Weather will be fair for much of Texas, but clouds may be an issue for viewers in Oklahoma and Arkansas. |
Dallas, Texas | 3 min. 47 sec. (1:40 p.m.) | Weather will be fair for much of Texas, but clouds may be an issue for viewers in Oklahoma and Arkansas. |
Little Rock, Arkansas | 2 min. 33 sec. (1:51 p.m.) | Weather will be fair for much of Texas, but clouds may be an issue for viewers in Oklahoma and Arkansas. |
Cape Girardeau, Missouri | 4 min. 06 sec. (1:58 p.m.) | Missouri will be dry and cool but have scattered clouds |
Carbondale, Illinois | 4 min. 08 sec. (1:59 p.m.) | Eclipse-watchers in IL should get good views, but Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio may not. Showers and thunderstorms increase from Ohio Valley, points east. |
Indianapolis, Indiana | 3 min. 46 sec. (3:06 p.m.) | Eclipse-watchers in IL should get good views, but Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio may not. Showers and thunderstorms increase from Ohio Valley, points east. |
Cleveland, Ohio | 3 min. 50 sec. (3:13 p.m.) | Eclipse-watchers in IL should get good views, but Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio may not. Showers and thunderstorms increase from Ohio Valley, points east. |
Erie, Pennsylvania | 3 min. 43 sec. (3:16 p.m.) | Clouds are likely to eclipse the eclipse for Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. Showers and thunderstorms are possible. |
Buffalo, New York | 3 min. 45 sec. (3:18 p.m.) | Clouds are likely to eclipse the eclipse for Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. Showers and thunderstorms are possible. |
Burlington, Vermont | 3 min. 14 sec. (3:26 p.m.) | Clouds are likely to eclipse the eclipse for Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. Showers and thunderstorms are possible. |
If you don’t believe the Farmers Almanac, here’s what Forbes says.
Forbes spoke with the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies about the upcoming eclipse.
Texas is the best spot to view the eclipse with around 40% chance of clouds on April 8 and the chances increase the further north you go, according to the CIMSS.
Will you get a clear view of the 2024 eclipse? See the cloudiness map
CIMSS has an interactive time-lapse showing the satellite image of the path every April 8 since 1970.
They also have some advice for those looking for clear skies to view the eclipse:
Check local weather forecasts starting on April 6, when they begin to be accurate.
Remember the “eclipse cooling” effect of the sun blocking the moon can cause a number of certain types of clouds.
Follow local meteorologists in the path that will be following cloud cover, the best places to view the eclipses and the local plans for the event.
If you can’t make it to an area with clear skies on April 8, there won’t be another eclipse crossing the contiguous United States until 2045.
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