The updated weather forecasts for the 2024 solar eclipse are presenting both good news and bad news. The good news is that conditions in New York City are looking better than initially expected, and residents may have a good chance of seeing the eclipse. However, the bad news is that areas in Texas and parts of the Great Lakes in the path of totality may miss out on the event due to increasing cloud cover. This could lead to hundreds of thousands of eclipse tourists not being able to witness the eclipse despite paying for the experience.
The eclipse, during which the moon will pass in front of the sun and block it out, is set to travel from south central Texas through the Ohio Valley and into New England before journeying through northeast Canada. It will cast a seconds-long shadow of darkness on approximately 32 million Americans. Specialized eclipse glasses are essential for viewing the event safely, regardless of where one decides to witness the spectacle.
While New York City lies outside the eclipse’s path of totality, around 91% of the eclipse will be visible from the city around 3:25 p.m. The weather forecast for New York City appears to be in pretty good shape, with temperatures in the lower 60s and high clouds that should not obstruct viewing. However, areas like Austin, Texas, are forecasted to have tough luck, with clouds covering the skies during the eclipse, and the possibility of thunderstorms during totality.
Cities like Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus in Ohio may face questionable visibility due to cloud cover, but some areas are expected to see clearing skies as the eclipse progresses. Dallas, like Austin, is expected to have severe storms later in the day, but there is a chance residents may still be able to see the eclipse during the day. Indianapolis is anticipated to be one of the best cities for viewing the eclipse, with clear skies and optimal conditions for observing the event as it moves through the region around 3:06 p.m.
Louisville is expected to have a high chance of clearing skies before the eclipse moves through the region, while Rochester may have around 80% cloud coverage during totality. However, San Antonio, much like other parts of Texas, is likely to have too much cloud cover for residents to have a clear view of the solar eclipse. The city may see isolated thunderstorms and rain showers, with approximately 90% cloud coverage predicted. Overall, the weather forecast for the 2024 solar eclipse shows a mix of favorable and challenging conditions for viewing the event across various cities in its path of totality.
