Looking for the best places to see the April 8 solar eclipse in the totality path? You may have to dodge clouds.
The total solar eclipse will be visible along a 2,500-mile path, but Americans looking for the best location to see the eclipse may have to contend with April showers. Here's a region-by-region view of which places have the best weather odds.
America's Preparation for the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse
America is preparing for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Many people are actively seeking the best locations within the path of totality to observe this rare celestial event. However, the likelihood of encountering cloudy skies due to April weather patterns is a concern for those hoping to witness the corona and experience a fully darkened midday sky. The last total solar eclipse that traversed an elongated path across the continental U.S. occurred on August 21, 2017, and it was observed from Oregon to South Carolina with reasonably clear summer skies along most of the path of totality. Nevertheless, historical weather patterns indicate that the odds of experiencing a cloud-free sky at this time of year are less than ideal, with approximately 70% of the Earth being covered in clouds at any given time, according to NASA [[1]].
Impact of Weather Patterns on Eclipse Viewing
The current weather patterns, including the influence of an El Niño pattern, may affect the visibility of the total solar eclipse. While an El Niño pattern typically increases the chances of cloudy and rainy weather, the winter and spring of 2024 have been drier than average in Texas Hill Country and western Texas. This could potentially be good news for eclipse watchers in these areas. However, the unpredictability of weather patterns, including the possibility of storms and tornadoes, adds an element of uncertainty to the viewing conditions [[1]].
Best Locations for Eclipse Viewing
- Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas: According to meteorologists, at this transitional time of year, the further south one can go, the more likely they are to experience clear skies during the eclipse totality. However, the increased likelihood of encountering storms and tornadoes in these areas adds a level of unpredictability to the viewing conditions [[1]].
- Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Indiana: For those unable to travel to the southern regions, Southern Illinois and Indiana present better opportunities for clearer skies, supported by historical averages. However, those in the Chicago metro area may face a higher risk of obscured views due to cloud cover [[1]].
- Great Lakes and Pennsylvania: The lingering influence of an El Niño weather pattern may elevate the chances of clouds across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Historical data suggests that the chances for a clear day are low in these areas, but the recent exceptionally bright and warmer-than-usual winter and early spring may offer some hope for clearer skies on the day of the eclipse [[1]].
- New England: Historical patterns indicate that northern New England faces possibly the stiffest odds in the country for catching clear skies during the eclipse. The data suggests that cloud cover is more likely to impact these areas than not. However, the decrease in cloud cover as totality approaches, due to the stabilizing effect of cooler temperatures, may offer some reprieve [[1]].
Future Opportunities for Total Solar Eclipses
For those who may miss out on the April 8 total solar eclipse due to weather conditions, there is another chance in August 2045, when a line of totality will stretch from northern California to Miami Beach. However, this event will coincide with the height of hurricane season, adding another layer of consideration for potential viewers [[1]].