Don’t Let Clouds Ruin Your Eclipse
Now that you’ve got your eclipse viewing gear ready , you’ve chosen the perfect location , and you’re ready to take stunning photos of the April 8 eclipse , you might think that the only thing that can ruin your plans is the clouds. But this is not true: even with thick clouds, a solar eclipse can be an incredible event.
As of the morning of April 5 , National Weather Service forecasters report that during the April 8, 2024 eclipse, clear skies are likely to occur in northern New England and from southern Missouri to central Indiana; Forecasts become increasingly cloudy as we move south and west. There will likely be significant cloud cover, possibly even thunderstorms, in Texas and Arkansas, and clouds are possible or likely in Ohio, as well as parts of Pennsylvania and New York.
No matter where you are or what coverage area you’re dealing with, here’s how to make the most of a cloud eclipse.
Even if clouds are forecast, bring eye protection
Although the sun doesn’t get any brighter during an eclipse, and clouds may block much of its light, you should still have eye protection at the ready. You never know when a cloud break will occur, and you don’t want to risk not being able to see the eclipse because you left your sunglasses at home (because it’s definitely not worth looking at the eclipse without them). ). Check out our guide to making sure your eclipse glasses actually block the sun .
What to Expect If It’s Very Cloudy During the Eclipse
If your eclipse viewing location is covered with heavy, low rain-like clouds, you may still be able to see the sun. “It’s still going to be an eclipse,” Bill Nye told the Austin-American Statesman . “It’s still impressive. Basically, even when it’s cloudy, if you look directly towards the sun, you’ll still see the sun.”
Even if you don’t see the sun at all, the secondary effects of the eclipse will be obvious, and it can still be an impressive, albeit more subtle, experience. Daytime will turn to nighttime, and the world will go dark, as if the Universe has just turned down a dimmer switch. When the sky is completely cloudy, darkness comes faster than when the sky is clear. You may not notice any change in light levels in the lead up to total darkness until the light drops faster than you’ve ever seen and it suddenly becomes pitch dark.
You can think of cloud cover as an opportunity to experience the eclipse through your senses in addition to your vision. You will feel a sharp drop in temperature. You may feel the wind change direction or die down. You may notice that birds stop singing and other animals become quiet. It’s not the sun disappearing before your eyes, but it’s still a rare and magical experience.
What to expect if there are broken mid-level clouds during the eclipse?
If it’s one of those days where it’s mostly cloudy with rare glimpses of blue sky, you’ll be able to see the sun behind the clouds and you might get lucky and catch the eclipse in a patch of clear skies. . It’s nuts, but even if you don’t get to see the event itself, the right kind of cloud cover during an eclipse can result in dramatic, sunset-like colors in the sky immediately before and after totality. Even if the eclipse is covered by a wandering cloud, once it gets dark, look to clear areas of the sky to see stars and planets suddenly visible.
What to expect if there is a thin, high layer of clouds during the eclipse
If tall, thin cirrus clouds obscure the sky where you view the eclipse, you may be in for a dramatic experience. Lighter clouds tend to get smaller as they approach the bulk due to scattering of sunlight; they may seem to become transparent, giving you a clearer view of the important point. It won’t be as dramatic as if the sky were completely clear, but you can’t have everything.
When should you cancel your eclipse viewing plans?
There are places on the path of totality where thunderstorms are predicted, and one should not stand outside during a thunderstorm, even during an eclipse. Thunderstorms are forecast in some places after the eclipse, so be careful not to get stuck in post-total eclipse traffic while a severe storm is raging. Stay up to date with local weather forecasts as the time approaches so you can make an informed decision. Take care, sun lovers!