Achi news desk-
DALLAS (AP) – Some hoping to see Monday’s total solar eclipse may see the sun obscured by clouds instead of the moon.
There is still some time for forecasts to change, but meteorologists predict eclipse-day storms could cover parts of the path, which stretches from Mexico and Texas through Maine and parts of Canada.
If there are no clouds in the way, viewers on the path wearing eclipse glasses will see the moon slowly begin to cover the sun until it is completely blocked, a period of darkness called “ totality” when temperatures drop and the sun’s corona disappears. be visible.
What is the forecast along the path of the eclipse?
Clouds are expected in much of the eclipse’s path on Monday thanks to storms moving across the central US
As of Friday afternoon, the Northeast United States looks like it has the best chance for clear skies, along with a large swath of the central United States near southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
Canada may also have only light cloud cover that won’t significantly affect the view, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard. Higher, thinner clouds should allow eclipse-goers to catch a glimpse of the sun, while lower, thicker clouds may obscure the view completely.
Parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas are suspect. Chenard, Northeast Texas, says “it could go either way at this point.” Mexico may also have low to medium level cloud cover.
Thushari Jayasekara, a professor of physics at Southern Illinois University, saw the 2017 eclipse from Carbondale, Illinois, where it was partially obscured by clouds. From his vantage point in the university’s Saluki Stadium, the show disappeared just as the last bit of sun was extinguished by the moon. The crowd fell silent.
“It was dark, but we couldn’t see the sun,” he said. The clouds parted again completely, allowing those in Carbondale to catch a glimpse of the full effect.
Storms with severe weather potential after the eclipse from Texas to Arkansas could affect travel home.
How accurate are eclipse weather forecasts?
“The uncertainty is still quite high,” said Chenard. The storms moving across the country make it difficult for meteorologists to predict exactly where and when clouds will arrive.
The weather in the northeastern United States has looked promising so far, but the timing and speed of Monday’s storms may influence what cloud cover looks like for the rest of the country.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center will update the eclipse forecast daily through Monday.
Eclipse enthusiasts should monitor the weather forecast over the weekend and keep plans flexible. Daniel Dawson, an atmospheric scientist at Purdue University, drove to Carbondale for the 2017 eclipse with his family — then changed plans from day one and drove east to Kentucky based on the cloud forecast.
“Look for where the confidence is most visible as you head into the event,” he said.
How can I see the solar eclipse if it’s cloudy or raining?
Eclipse viewers can still watch the total solar eclipse online.
Associated Press journalists will also bring live coverage of the eclipse from across the path, starting at 10 a.m. EDT with views from Mazatlán, Mexico, and other locations.
NASA will stream telescope views of the sun and on NASA TV starting at 1 pm EDT.
The Exploratorium museum, Time and Date and Slooh will also broadcast eclipse day views.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Adithi Ramakrishnan, The Associated Press
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