April 5 - Millions of North Americans are expecting to see the continent's first total solar eclipse since 2017, but Monday's predicted cloud cover could ruin what promises to be a mesmerizing celestial occurrence.
Despite usually clear skies in April in certain areas that are in the "path of totality" (the short corridor where the moon completely blocks out the sun's face), Monday seems to have the worst forecast.
Prediction models for the day of the eclipse indicated on Friday that there will be 60% to 80% cloud cover throughout most of Texas, which is great viewing area for many tourists.
Northern New England appeared considerably more promising in comparison. Clear skies were also looking more likely across the western Ohio Valley and the middle Mississippi Valley, where Indianapolis is located, as per the National Weather Service
While getting ready for his trip to Dallas a few months ago, 81-year-old Gary Fine expressed his disappointment. Fine is a retired photographer from Los Angeles.
As clouds began to roll in over Texas, Fine momentarily contemplated changing his course to go through New England, but ultimately concluded it would be too difficult and expensive. "We'll just go with our original plan and hope for the best," he added
A meteorologist from the Weather Prediction Center, Josh Weiss, has stated that the storm system and cold front affecting the upper Midwest of the United States are to blame for the unexpected turn of events.
According to the usual seasonal patterns, the cloudiest region of the eclipse path would be in the southern part, while New England and the Ohio Valley would have the highest cloud cover in April. Weiss explained that this weather phenomenon is nearly the polar opposite.
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