Total solar eclipse: Early signs point to promising weather for eclipse in Central Mass.
WORCESTER — While still subject to change, early weather signs point to more promising weather for the Worcester area in time for the April 8 total solar eclipse.
Andrew Loconto, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said early signs point to a warming trend heading into April 8 with clouds starting to clear and the weather possibly beginning to resemble normal spring conditions.
However, Loconto cautioned that more specific weather information was difficult to predict more than a week from the scheduled eclipse. Conditions can also change as well.
Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States and Canada. A total solar eclipse takes place when the moon passes physically between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun completely and darkening the sky temporarily.
While the Worcester area is not in the path of totality, residents should still be able to catch a glimpse. The eclipse is expected to last from 2:16 p.m. to 4:39 p.m., with ideal viewing time roughly at 3:28 p.m.
Massachusetts is hosting a number of events including a gathering at the Blackstone Heritage River and Canal Heritage State Park from 2:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Enjoy the sunshine 😎 and mild temps today, as a cloudy and wet pattern develops the workweek ahead. Dry weather likely lingers into Monday, but clouds dominate. Then rain likely Tue thru Thu, with elevation snow, strong winds & renewed flooding possible. #MAwx #RIwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/94nNwiCulh
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) March 31, 2024
The Ecotarium is hosting free admission all day to celebrate the eclipse.
In the meantime, the National Weather Service forecasts some bumpy weather heading into the week for Worcester.
Monday, the forecast is cloudy with a high near 50 degrees and some light wind. Tuesday will be cloudy with a 40% chance of rain and a high of 44 degrees. While there is a chance of rain before midnight, rain, possibly mixed with snow, is likely going into Wednesday.
Snow is likely to come back Wednesday night into Thursday with a chance of additional snow late Thursday night going into early Friday morning. The weather is expected to turn partly sunny Friday.
ONLY during totality is it safe to look directly at a solar eclipse. Otherwise, you must use protective devices like “eclipse glasses" to protect your vision.
Check to see if you are you in the path of totality, when that is, and more, at https://t.co/OgnZNz5AqC#eclipse2024 pic.twitter.com/qFtmPjqajS— National Weather Service (@NWS) March 29, 2024
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Early signs point to promising weather for eclipse in Central Mass.
