Excitement for Grand Eclipse on April 8th in US

The US is waiting eagerly in anticipation for the upcoming event of a solar eclipse that will happen on April 8th. Especially the people from the coastlines are preparing meticulously for this celestial event and therefore charting out the best convenient locations for them to witness this event. It is worth mentioning that April is very unpredictable when we talk of the weather pattern, that has been observed all through these years. This also means that this can disrupt the clear view of the sky on that particular day. Hence, the possibility of the weather turning a mood spoiler may also be on the cards which can ruin the picturesque event to a great extent.

The last time people in the United States saw a total solar eclipse was August 21, 2017. The weather was good, so everyone got a clear view of the eclipse and enjoyed it. The keen onlookers and gazers right from Oregon to South Carolina were fortunate enough to watch this event. This time, however, the weather is feared to be less conducive or favorable.  

By analyzing the data available to the weather department, this time it indicates that a cloud-free sky is somewhat less likely as compared to the previous time. One may witness the clear sky at some places and in patches, but in general, enjoying an uninterrupted clear view is not likely. According to NASA, approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is typically covered in clouds at any given time, which adds to the speculation of this turning into a non-event.

Not only this, the other meteorological phenomenon which is known as EL nino effect is also contributing to this uncertainty. While El Niño patterns traditionally increase the chances of cloudy and rainy weather, this year’s pattern has proven to be somewhat subdued compared to expectations. Meteorologists are cautiously monitoring this pattern, recognizing its potential impact on viewing conditions.

“An El Niño pattern tends to increase the chances of cloudy, rainy weather in those areas. Interestingly, though, that is not how this winter and spring have played out,” said Mike Augustyniak, CBS Minnesota director of meteorology. “Since the start of 2024, the Texas Hill Country and western Texas areas have been markedly drier than average; if that trend holds for the next few weeks, that would be good news for eclipse watchers.”

The path of totality, spanning approximately 150 miles in width, stretches across America from the Texas border to northeastern Maine, covering a distance of roughly 2,500 miles. Because you can only see the eclipse from certain places, it’s really important to pick the best spot to get the most out of the experience. Notably, the width of the path will be significantly wider than it was in 2017, owing to the moon’s closer proximity to Earth on this pass.

The enthusiasts have made their arrangements to view the celestial event from the most perfect spots so that they minimize the chances of any disturbance in between due to the weather conditions. Let’s examine a few of the areas along the route of totality as well as the variables that may affect the viewing environment.

Viewing the Eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas

At this transitional time of year, heading further south may increase the likelihood of clear skies during the eclipse totality. Mike Augustyniak suggests that areas such as the Hill Country of Texas and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Durango might offer favorable viewing conditions. But the likelihood of seeing clouds and rain is higher, particularly during the spring storm season, which emphasizes how erratic the weather is in these areas.

Jeff Ray, the main weather guy at CBS Texas, wants people to remember to stay flexible when they’re planning to watch the eclipse in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. With the spring storm season in full swing, spectators may need to engage in reverse storm-chasing tactics, navigating away from incoming clouds to secure an unobstructed view of the eclipse. Ray knows that it’s hard to predict the weather for sure. Even though the long-term forecasts might say there could be storms on April 8th, they might not be completely accurate.

Viewing the Eclipse in Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Indiana

While many eclipse enthusiasts are inclined to head south in search of clearer skies, some of the largest cities in the Midwest are expected to draw day-of migration towards spots in Missouri and Illinois. Notably, Carbondale, Illinois, finds itself along the path of totality for the second time in a decade, attracting visitors eager to witness this rare celestial event. However, the likelihood of encountering cloudy conditions remains a concern, particularly in urban areas such as Chicago.

Albert Ramon, chief meteorologist for CBS Chicago, advises viewers in the St. Louis and Chicago metropolitan areas to consider heading south into southern Illinois for potentially clearer viewing conditions. However, he cautions that historical data indicates a significant probability of cloud cover on April 8th, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding weather patterns during this time of year.

Viewing the Eclipse Near the Great Lakes and Pennsylvania

The El Niño weather pattern might make it harder for people in the Midwest and Great Lakes areas to see the eclipse by increasing the likelihood of cloudy weather. Ray Petelin, CBS Pittsburgh meteorologist, highlights the unpredictable nature of weather patterns near the Great Lakes, where lake-effect clouds could obscure the eclipse. In simpler terms, even though warmer weather and breezes from the south might give a bit of relief, history tells us that there’s a good chance of cloudy skies in these areas.

As the total solar eclipse comes to an end after traveling across the U.S., folks in New England, stretching from New York to Vermont, have an opportunity to witness it. But Terry Eliasen, who works with weather at CBS Boston, warns that in northern New England, there are often a lot of clouds which might make it hard to see the eclipse. But Eliasen thinks there’s still a chance that people in the area might get lucky and see the eclipse clearly.

People are really excited about the total solar eclipse happening on April 8th. Although April weather is often unpredictable, and clouds might block the view, everyone remains hopeful because they’re excited about witnessing this rare event. People are gearing up to watch the eclipse, wishing for good weather and a spectacular view of this extraordinary cosmic event.