Solar Eclipse 2024: Low clouds may stay north of totality, allowing for eclipse viewing

Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman
·2 min read

Today's the day millions of Americans have been looking forward to: a total solar eclipse will cross 15 states, including Oklahoma.

But will clouds get in the way of viewing the celestial phenomenon in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma eclipse weather, clouds outlook

According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, increasing high clouds are expected Monday during the total solar eclipse. However, NWS Tulsa said theres is a moderate to high likelihood low clouds will hold off, allowing better eclipse viewing conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, increasing high clouds are expected Monday during the total solar eclipse. However, NWS Tulsa said theres is a moderate to high likelihood low clouds will hold off, allowing better eclipse viewing conditions.

The National Weather Service in Tulsa said there's a moderate to high likelihood the low cloud cover will remain north of the path of totality, which includes a chunk of southeast Oklahoma.

Thick, upper level clouds could stay mostly north as well, leaving mostly thinner cloud conditions across southeast Oklahoma, allowing for the eclipse to be seen through the clouds in these areas and in areas to the northeast.

According to USA Today, low clouds are the worst clouds for an eclipse. Wispy, high cirrus clouds would still allow the eclipse to be seen from the ground, while cumulus clouds are more unpredictable.

There is also a threat of severe storms expected in southern Oklahoma starting around 9 p.m. Monday night.

Do I need to wear glasses to look at cloudy eclipse?

If you happen to be in an area with high clouds through which you can see the eclipse, whether by luck or because you traveled to an area with a better weather outlook, you still need to wear your eclipse glasses.

If you didn't purchase safe eyewear on time, here's how you can make your own safe eclipse viewer.

See live cloud cover in Oklahoma for 2024 eclipse

What time is the total solar eclipse in Oklahoma?

The eclipse will enter Oklahoma as it crosses the Red River about 12:27 p.m. on Monday, April 8, and exit the state about 3:07 p.m., according to National Eclipse.

But the total eclipse, the direct casting of the moon's shadow, will only last from about 1:44 p.m. to 1:51 p.m. in the state, Great American Eclipse estimates.

The center path of the eclipse, where totality lasts the longest, travels through Oklahoma for a mere 31 miles in the southeastern part of the state, the shortest distance of any state through which the centerline travels.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Solar Eclipse 2024: See forecast, live cloud cover for Oklahoma eclipse