As April 8 rapidly approaches, Canadians looking forward to the total solar eclipse may want to know if they will have the clear skies necessary to view it.
Although we’re just two weeks away from spring and perhaps the must-see celestial event of the year, it’s too early to delve into specific predictions for a total solar eclipse.
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But in general, historical cloud cover data for early April while examining potential long-term weather patterns that could determine sunny or disastrous outcomes for millions of Canadians. You can check.
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible across a narrow path stretching from the southwest to the northeast of North America. Not all Canadians will be able to see a total solar eclipse, but if the weather is good, they’ll at least be able to see a partial solar eclipse that day.
First, how does a total solar eclipse occur? It occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are perfectly aligned and the Moon’s shadow falls across the Earth.
What does the historical data show?
For millions of Canadians, April 8th will be the first time since February 26, 1979 that they will have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse without having to travel far from home.
See also: How to photograph a solar eclipse without breaking your phone
Looking at historical cloud cover data for early April, the southern tip of North America had the highest percentage of clear skies.
Mexico and Texas had nice weather with only 20 to 40 percent cloud cover. If you want to get as close to certainty as possible, these locations may be the best option for observation.
North of the border, western Canada will see cloud percentages in the 50-70 range, the Great Lakes and Quebec in the 60-70 range, and Atlantic Canada in the 70-80 range.
“During this period, predictions of large-scale global patterns may begin to emerge. [However,] The last thing we need is a cloud forecast,” said Weather Network meteorologist Matt Grinter.
These less-than-ideal numbers give forecasters more confidence in temperatures this far from the eclipse. Temperatures during this period can vary by 10°C to 15°C to the left or right of the average. So if you travel, plan for both extremes.
As we begin to examine possible weather patterns as we approach the solar eclipse,
In reality, I have no confidence in a 3-4 minute forecast two weeks in advance. It’s a detail that becomes clearer and fine-tuned over time. So the next question arises. When can we have some degree of confidence in the forecast leading up to a solar eclipse?
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The 10-14 day forecast includes historical possibilities and probabilities.
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The 7-10 day forecast includes large-scale continental patterns, allowing you to highlight important systems and see if the probabilities are higher or lower than historical conditions.
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A three- to five-day weather forecast includes location and system trajectory confidence, an overview of areas that may be completely cloudy or cloudless, and a relatively general cloud forecast. included.
The next update will be on Wednesday night. Check back with The Weather Network as we continue to bring you the latest solar eclipse forecasts.
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With files from Matt Griter and Tyler Hamilton, meteorologists at The Weather Network, and Scott Sutherland, science writer and meteorologist at The Weather Network.
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