Wednesday, August 16, 2017

5 Day Cloud Forecast For The Solar Eclipse

We are getting closer to the eclipse! While I'm still optimistic for seeing the eclipse very well in Region 8, the path of totality really needs that couple of minutes of totality for it's "cool factor". Let me explain... Here in Region 8, we will have a partial eclipse. While we may have a few clouds covering some parts of the "peak" at 1:20ish, we are likely going to see a good part of the partial eclipse as it starts at 11:50ish and ends shortly before 3:00. Even if we have a few clouds during the "peak" at 1:20, we are still going to see a great partial eclipse. The reason to drive to the totality or 100% zone is for the couple of minutes when the sun is 100% covered. If you have ONE cloud covering the eclipse in that 2 minutes, it really impacts the experience. So, here's the latest data regarding clouds around 1:20 on Monday:

First, the GFS CloudCAST. In the second image, we have color coordinated the "best to worst" conditions. Red is bad, Yellow is decent, and green is awesome:


Second, the European Model CloudCAST. In the second image, we have color coordinated the "best to worst" conditions. Red is bad, Yellow is decent, and green is awesome. Notice that the Euro model is more optimistic. I'm tending to lean toward the European model because the pattern that we are transitioning into typically supports sunshine and HOT weather. It appears that we will have a strong ridge trying to build into the region and this would really support a better viewing forecast. It also supports mid 90s, so stay hydrated!:


We will continue to watch the latest data as we get closer to the greatest eclipse we have had in our lifetime!

Ryan

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Isn't the peak in Jonesboro about 1:20PM?