WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): The million-dollar question is if clouds and rain/thunderstorms will obstruct the view along and near the path of the April Total Solar Eclipse.
Chief Meteorologist Chad Merrill’s preliminary analysis in mid-March still looks on track. Click here for the preview.
The upcoming strong Greenland Block pattern next week that will deliver cold, breezy and likely cloudy weather with rain and snow showers to southern West Virgnia will exit by the end of next week. A Pacific Ridge pattern (circled below) will then quickly emerge in time for the April 8 total solar eclipse.
This pattern supports clouds, rain and mountain snow in the West and warmer than average temperatures from the Plains to the East Coast. The battleground between the western trough and eastern ridge is expected to produce clouds, rain and thunderstorms in the lower Mississippi Valley and eastern Texas (see map below).
While clouds and rain will likely keep this once-in-a-lifetime event from being a true spectacle to see with the appropriate eyewear, remember totality will still occur and it will get pitch black outside! Those who already have plans to watch the eclipse in Texas to the Mid-Mississippi Valley will need to have a severe weather action plan in place. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors (or in your car). Know where you can seek shelter should you get notified of a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning.
The map below shows where Chief Meteorologist Chad Merrill believes will be the best eclipse viewing weather.
High, thin cirrus clouds that filter the sun’s rays will likely be present as far north as Pennsylvania. The eclipse should be viewable with appropriate eyewear through these clouds. Below is an example of how cirrus clouds appear in the sky.
There is a strong consensus for temperatures to be warmer than average east of the Rockies as this Pacific Ridge pattern will be governing the overall pattern.
If you want to plan ahead to the next Total Solar Eclipse in the U.S., mark April 12, 2045 on your calendar. The path of total darkness is seen on the image below. This will be the fourth longest eclipse of the 21st century. The following major cities will be in the path of totality: Reno, Salt Lake City, Colorado Springs, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Nassau (Bahamas). This eclipse will occur between 9:30 a.m. PDT and 1:30 p.m. EDT.
For a complete catalogue of solar eclipses through the year 2100, click here.
The StormWatch 4 Weather Team will continue to keep you abreast of the forecast for southern West Virginia on Eclipse Day (April 8).
