Weather forecast for April 8 (solar eclipse day) showing rain, clouds
The solar eclipse, one of the biggest astronomical events of the century, will occur April 8, and Cincinnati will have a terrific seat.
According to USA TODAY, it's likely that areas within the path of totality will have overcast skies that may impact the viewing experience. Cincinnati, however, lies just outside the path of totality and will see a partial eclipse for 2 hours and 32 minutes. Approximately 99.8% of the sun will be obscured by the moon at the peak.
So what will the weather be like in Cincinnati for the total solar eclipse on April 8? Will cloud coverage ruin the experience? Here's what we know.
Old Farmer's Almanac weather forecast for April 8
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the weather will play a more significant role in viewing the April 8 eclipse than during the last eclipse in 2017. This is because the previous eclipse occurred in the summer when cloudy skies are less common. Because the 2024 eclipse is happening in the spring, the probability of overcast skies is greater.
The Old Farmer's Almanac reports that the forecast calls for rain in the Ohio Valley on April 8, so cloud coverage may occur.
What's the National Weather Service forecast for the solar eclipse on April 8?
The Akron Beacon Journal says the National Weather Service should have a more detailed forecast report for the eclipse day by April 1.
However, historical weather data can give an idea of what we might expect.
Cincinnati has historically experienced an average of .18 inches of precipitation on April 8. The record high was 2.11 inches in 1957 and 1998. There was zero precipitation on April 8, 2023, a record low for the area.
The average high for April 8 in Cincinnati is 63 degrees, and the average low is 41 degrees. The record high for that date in Cincinnati is 80 degrees (reached in 2021). The record low is 34 degrees, set in 1983.
What's the Weather Channel's forecast for April 8?
The Weather Channel predicts rain during the morning of April 8 with a little clearing in the afternoon. There is also a 44% chance of precipitation on eclipse day. The high will be near 69 degrees.
What happens if it is cloudy on the day of the eclipse?
The total eclipse will happen, rain or shine. But cloud coverage will make it a bit darker, and experts say the transition into total darkness will seem more sudden.
Due to this, observers may miss the subtle changes as the sun slowly disappears and day becomes night.
What's the eclipse timeline in Greater Cincinnati?
The National Weather Service says the eclipse will start in Texas and then make its way across the country, passing over states that include Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana before arriving in Ohio.
For Greater Cincinnati, the eclipse will begin at 1:52 p.m. as the moon slowly casts its shadow across the sun. The eclipse is slated to end at 4:24 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Weather forecast for April 8 (solar eclipse day) showing rain, clouds
