Will eclipse day be ruined? A surprising forecast for April 8

Some people could miss out on the eclipse.

Where are the best places to see it?

A surprising weather forecast.

Eclipses, such as the one that will occur on April 8, are astronomical events that are predicted decades ahead of time.

However, forecasting weather conditions during the eclipse is much more challenging.

It’s difficult to be precise — with a margin of error for between 3 to 5 days in advance.

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PHOTO: MundoNOW

A long-awaited eclipse

PHOTO: Shutterstock – MundoNOW Archive

The final countdown is on until the moon crosses over the sun, plunging parts of the U.S. into darkness for a few fleeting moments.

The deciding factor for whether or not people in the path of totality will be able to see the event comes down to one thing: clouds.

The eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8 and, for areas in the path of totality, it will be an afternoon event — with the exact timing varying depending on your location.

People outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse as long as clouds don’t spoil the show.

Where can the eclipse be seen?

Eclipse day forecast / PHOTO: Shutterstock – MundoNOW Archive

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Mexico, Canada and the United States from Texas to Maine.

The moon completely blocks the sun for a few minutes in an exceptional astronomical phenomenon between the Earth and the sun.

It will be the last opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse in much of the U.S. until 2044.

Astronomers, and the public in general, are looking forward to this unique opportunity to see the solar corona and other celestial phenomena.

Clouds could put a damper on things

PHOTO: The Associated Press – MundoNOW Archive

AccuWeather’s Joe Lundberg predicts poor viewing conditions from Missouri to Texas.

He warns that it will be quite cloudy with showers and possibly thunderstorms along the parts of the path of totality.

Lundberg also pointed to poor conditions in areas from Wisconsin westward, including South Dakota, Nebraska, Washington and Oregon.

This analysis highlights the importance of considering weather conditions when planning your solar eclipse viewing.

Why will it be cloudy?

PHOTO: Shutterstock – MundoNOW Archive

According to Telemundo, even if the sky is cloudy you can still appreciate the eclipse, although it won’t be as dramatic.

Ariel Rivera Vázquez points out that disappointing forecasts are the result of various factors.

«Over California there will be low pressure, at medium levels a current sending humidity from the Pacific while near the surface there will be more humidity,» reports Rivera Vázquez.

Despite these less than ideal conditions, the eclipse is still worth observing and studying, although the experience may be less optimal in certain regions.

Which places have the best eclipse day forecast?

PHOTO: Shutterstock via MundoNOW Archive

«The best locations for viewing can be the Southwest and the East, especially east of the Appalachians, lead long-range forecaster at AccuWeather Paul Pastelok stated.

«Cities like Los Angeles, El Paso, Philadelphia, New York City and Raleigh should all have nice views of the eclipse from start to finish,» he continued.

«The area from west Texas to southern Arizona should also have favorable viewing conditions,» Pastelok added.

«These areas will be close to the path of totality with the least amount of cloud cover anticipated.»