Cloud Scientists Reveal The Best Places To See April 8’s Total Solar Eclipse

Climate vs Weather

Everyone wants to know where the best weather will be for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. The answer is any place within the path of totality that has a clear sky during the few minutes the moon blocks the sun completely.

Accurate weather forecasts for the day itself may reveal the best locations, but for now we can rely on climatology based on long-term trends. Climate researchers have recently published new cloud climatology image data that shows the probability of clear skies across North America. The data is generated from observations taken by weather satellites every April 8 from 1995-2023.

While weather forecasts can change, this cloud data provides valuable insights into the likelihood of clear skies during the eclipse.

Mexico And Texas Favored

Only those within the 115-mile-wide track of the moon's shadow will experience a brief period of totality during the eclipse. In Mexico and Texas, totality will last up to 4 minutes and 26 seconds, making it the longest view of totality.

According to the CIMSS cloud science team, Mexico is likely to have the best cloud-free views, while Canada has an 80% chance of cloudy skies. In the United States, Texas is the most favorable location with a 40% chance of cloud cover. It's important to note that even in Mexico and Texas, there is still a significant chance of some cloud cover on April 8.

Path Of Totality

The path of totality on April 8, 2024, will cross parts of Mexico, 15 states in the United States, and six provinces in Canada. The moon will appear 5.6% larger than the sun and cast a shadow that will move across the planet at about 1,500 mph. Totality will last for 100 minutes and cross six time zones in North America.

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