Will it be cloudy in Texas during the solar eclipse? Here's an early weather forecast
It's still uncertain whether the skies will be clear during the total solar eclipse passing over Texas on April 8th, a rare event that coincides with what is historically one of the rainiest months for the Lone Star State.
As of Friday, The Weather Channel forecasts a 40% to 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms throughout the day. However, the local National Weather Service office in Austin-San Antonio will provide a prediction only when the event draws nearer, typically two to five days prior.
More: Can you record the solar eclipse in Texas with your phone? Here's how to safely do it
Way too early predictions for the Big Country
For the Big Country, meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in San Angelo were also keeping their forecast cards close to the vest Friday afternoon.
“Our forecast goes out for seven days, so we are going to start sharing probabilistic cloud cover starting Monday,” said meteorologist Abby Pettett.
While the weather service does not like to forecast beyond that seven-day window due to the inherent uncertainty of the weather, there are strong indications of a storm system moving through the weekend of the eclipse. How it will affect the region is still being worked out.
“The models have quite a bit of disagreement, so there is uncertainty,” Pettett said. “If it does move through Monday, the effects could be less than optimal (for eclipse viewing)."
If the possible storm moves through quickly, the dry air sucked in on the back end of it could render clear skies for viewing.
Her office will begin posting updated graphics early Monday morning, April 1. Those graphics will be updated frequently as new information presents itself and will be posted on their website, Facebook page and X account.
The irony of predicting the weather seven days out from April Fool’s Day isn’t lost.
“Honestly, it’s a toss-up at this point,” Pettett said.
This eclipse, the first in seven years, will occur a couple of thousand miles closer to Earth than previous ones. It will be partially visible in all 48 contiguous states and marks the final total solar eclipse until August 23, 2044, according to NASA.
So, let's hope for clear, blue skies during this astronomical phenomenon. Historical data shows the chances are high.
What is the historical weather on April 8?
Austin
Average daily temperature: 68.1 degrees
Maximum temperature (average): 79 degrees
Minimum temperature (average): 57 degrees
Precipitation (average): 0.07 inches
Last year, the greater Austin area received traces of precipitation with a minimum temperature of 52 degrees and maximum temperature of 64 degrees.
Dallas
Average daily temperature: 64 degrees
Maximum temperature (average): 75 degrees
Minimum temperature (average): 53 degrees
Precipitation (average): 0.09 inches
Last year, the greater Dallas area received no precipitation with a minimum temperature of 55 degrees and maximum temperature of 74 degrees.
Fort Worth
Average daily temperature: 65.4 degrees
Maximum temperature (average): 82 degrees
Minimum temperature (average): 58 degrees
Precipitation (average): 0.08 inches
Last year, the greater Dallas area received no precipitation with a minimum temperature of 56 degrees and maximum temperature of 72 degrees.
San Antonio
Average daily temperature: 69.8 degrees
Maximum temperature (average): 82 degrees
Minimum temperature (average): 58 degrees
Precipitation (average): 0.07 inches
Last year, the greater San Antonio area received traces of precipitation with a minimum temperature of 52 degrees and maximum temperature of 64 degrees.
What time is the eclipse? How long will it last? What will it look like?
Can't see our graphics? Search your ZIP code for a complete eclipse viewing guide
What is the path of the 2024 solar eclipse in Texas? See interactive map
Abilene Reporter-News Photojournalist Ronald W. Erdrich contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Will it rain in Texas during the solar eclipse? See early forecast
