April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

[Rothman]

Looking like a bust for all of Texas south of DFW.  Which is a bummer because I'm sure there are people who assumed the Northeast would be cloudy and Texas sunny when they started booking stuff, because that's what the odds would tell you it would be.

That was my thought. I'm now having to decide if I should make the drive north, or pass on it altogether. I'd prefer to not miss it, but I did see the eclipse of 2017, so it's not 100% pressing.

Do it!  Make the drive north!

[Rothman]

I am driving all the way to Dallas, and with the forecast I am rather worried. Can't back out since I'm meeting a friend who is flying in and booked all non-refundable everything and refuses to consider a real backup option.

This will be my second time in totality, so I wouldn't be utterly devastated if the clouds moved in, but it would make my rushing through the plains (and skipping a lot of planned stops to make an absurd schedule) something I would regret.

The number of people I know that are saying they are still going to Texas "because they are flying" is high.  I thought airlines still give you credit if you cancel, even with nonrefundable tickets.

But, yes, if you prepay for lodging, typically you're just out that money.

[webny99]

I also found this map online, which takes clouds information from satellite data.

https://solcast.com/blog/april-2024-eclipse-solar-cloud-forecast

Thanks for sharing! This and other sources are starting to show consensus that there will be some cloud cover between Cleveland and Rochester, but not in excess of 70% and hopefully not thick enough to ruin it entirely.

Otherwise, between Little Rock and Indy and anywhere east of I-87 (NY) look to be the very safest bets for clear skies.

[NWI_Irish96]

I also found this map online, which takes clouds information from satellite data.

https://solcast.com/blog/april-2024-eclipse-solar-cloud-forecast

Thanks for sharing! This and other sources are starting to show consensus that there will be some cloud cover between Cleveland and Rochester, but not in excess of 70% and hopefully not thick enough to ruin it entirely.

Otherwise, between Little Rock and Indy and anywhere east of I-87 (NY) look to be the very safest bets for clear skies.

Based on weather forecasts, CNN has chosen to base their eclipse coverage from Indy.

[Rothman]

I also found this map online, which takes clouds information from satellite data.

https://solcast.com/blog/april-2024-eclipse-solar-cloud-forecast

Thanks for sharing! This and other sources are starting to show consensus that there will be some cloud cover between Cleveland and Rochester, but not in excess of 70% and hopefully not thick enough to ruin it entirely.

Otherwise, between Little Rock and Indy and anywhere east of I-87 (NY) look to be the very safest bets for clear skies.

70% is pretty cloudy.

[vdeane]

I also found this map online, which takes clouds information from satellite data.

https://solcast.com/blog/april-2024-eclipse-solar-cloud-forecast

Thanks for sharing! This and other sources are starting to show consensus that there will be some cloud cover between Cleveland and Rochester, but not in excess of 70% and hopefully not thick enough to ruin it entirely.

Otherwise, between Little Rock and Indy and anywhere east of I-87 (NY) look to be the very safest bets for clear skies.

The partial phases will probably be fine, but I'm worried that it will be enough to block out the sun's corona, the planets, and that comet that's supposed to be visible (still never seen a comet... it's amazing how many astronomical things I've never seen despite my strong interest in space!).

[Rothman]

I also found this map online, which takes clouds information from satellite data.

https://solcast.com/blog/april-2024-eclipse-solar-cloud-forecast

Thanks for sharing! This and other sources are starting to show consensus that there will be some cloud cover between Cleveland and Rochester, but not in excess of 70% and hopefully not thick enough to ruin it entirely.

Otherwise, between Little Rock and Indy and anywhere east of I-87 (NY) look to be the very safest bets for clear skies.

The partial phases will probably be fine, but I'm worried that it will be enough to block out the sun's corona, the planets, and that comet that's supposed to be visible (still never seen a comet... it's amazing how many astronomical things I've never seen despite my strong interest in space!).

That's a pity. There was one quite easily viewable to the naked eye in NY a few years ago.

[CtrlAltDel]

Looking like a bust for all of Texas south of DFW.  Which is a bummer because I'm sure there are people who assumed the Northeast would be cloudy and Texas sunny when they started booking stuff, because that's what the odds would tell you it would be.

That was my thought. I'm now having to decide if I should make the drive north, or pass on it altogether. I'd prefer to not miss it, but I did see the eclipse of 2017, so it's not 100% pressing.

Do it!  Make the drive north!

I'm thinking about it. Actually, I was hoping that the small sliver of low clouds toward the western end of totality would clear up a bit more, but the prognosis is actually getting worse.

[jeffandnicole]

I am driving all the way to Dallas, and with the forecast I am rather worried. Can't back out since I'm meeting a friend who is flying in and booked all non-refundable everything and refuses to consider a real backup option.

This will be my second time in totality, so I wouldn't be utterly devastated if the clouds moved in, but it would make my rushing through the plains (and skipping a lot of planned stops to make an absurd schedule) something I would regret.

The number of people I know that are saying they are still going to Texas "because they are flying" is high.  I thought airlines still give you credit if you cancel, even with nonrefundable tickets.

Depends on the airline and the type of ticket.  Some will charge for the cancellation, and sometimes the fees for cancelling are more than what an airline ticket would cost.  Other tickets - often the cheapest fare option - may not be refundable at all, especially within 7 days of the flight.

But, yes, if you prepay for lodging, typically you're just out that money.

Also depends - especially if someone has status and booked direct.  If someone used Expedia or another 3rd party site, they're unlikely to get a refund. If someone is a high-tier member of a hotel's reward program, they can probably get the refund.

Of course, in a situation like this, I'm sure we're going to see news stories of people complaining they weren't told of the polices and they shouldn't have to pay for a reservation they didn't use, with the news station trying to get the companies to refund the people that didn't take their trips because it wasn't their fault the sky was cloudy.

[ozarkman417]

My cabin is in an area near Mena, AR but I may drive up to somewhere near Mount Magazine or Nebo for better viewing conditions.

[vdeane]

Well, the forecast for Rochester has deteriorated quite a bit.  Went all the way from "decent chance" to "requires luck" in just two days and now the forecast is nearly completely overcast with a mix of cloud types (not just high clouds).  What a bummer.  A once in a lifetime chance, and we won't even get the full show.  My luck with viewing astronomical phenomenon is just horrible.  Why didn't I book a hotel in Plattsburgh when I had the chance?

[CtrlAltDel]

My cabin is in an area near Mena, AR but I may drive up to somewhere near Mount Magazine or Nebo for better viewing conditions.

Ha. Mena is about where I've decided to go.

[Jim]

We're still aiming for Snow Ridge in Turin, NY.  Looks like it's still just high clouds in the forecast there, which still reads "Mostly Sunny".  If things look significantly better north and east once we get there, we can always try to reposition.  I like the idea of being at the top watching the shadow shoot off toward the north and east at the end of totality.

[Hunty2022]

According to timeanddate.com, the eclipse is gonna be at its best here in Charlottesville at about 3:17 PM. I may plan on heading onto Skyline Drive to view what I can.

[7/8]

Looks like most of Ontario is going to be screwed by a large set of clouds rolling in overnight. It's especially heartbreaking since this weekend has been exceptionally sunny with almost no clouds! My best hope now is to drive southwest to Leamington (near Michigan) tomorrow morning. It looks like there should only be some high clouds in that area by the afternoon.

[LilianaUwU]

My plans really have downsized since last year. I originally planned to have an eclipse road meet on the Magdalen Islands, one of the locations in the path of totality... but now my plans are to head to Terminus Lagueux (a bus terminal off A-20 exit 305 in Lévis).

[baugh17]

We're still aiming for Snow Ridge in Turin, NY.  Looks like it's still just high clouds in the forecast there, which still reads "Mostly Sunny".  If things look significantly better north and east once we get there, we can always try to reposition.  I like the idea of being at the top watching the shadow shoot off toward the north and east at the end of totality.

I will be getting the "valley" perspective as I will be viewing it from just north of Lyons Falls.  Contemplated going further north and east but I'm still road weary from my travels to and from Virginia last week.

[epzik8]

Legit feel bad for Texans for their dismal forecast, considering cities like Dallas and Austin have received among the most hype leading up to this.

[GreenLanternCorps]

Happy Eclipse Day!

Working a half day (which for me means I get off work at 10am), will then head up to my Mom's house near Dayton, where she has 100% coverage.

[webny99]

Legit feel bad for Texans for their dismal forecast, considering cities like Dallas and Austin have received among the most hype leading up to this.

They won't be getting any sympathy from those of us in the Great Lakes. Remember, they usually get beautiful weather this time of year while we put up with largely dismal and gray conditions for months on end.

[Hunty2022]

According to Apple Weather, the weather will be 72 and cloudy at 3:17 PM today, which is the peak time here.

This is from the UVA Department of Astronomy website:


If it does end up cloudy at/around 2 PM, I may end up having to head somewhere sunny. Apple Weather says Warrenton will be only partly cloudy at the peak time, with Fredericksburg being sunny, as well as Short Pump.

[7/8]

Looks like most of Ontario is going to be screwed by a large set of clouds rolling in overnight. It's especially heartbreaking since this weekend has been exceptionally sunny with almost no clouds! My best hope now is to drive southwest to Leamington (near Michigan) tomorrow morning. It looks like there should only be some high clouds in that area by the afternoon.

I decided on Port Stanley this morning based on The Eclipse App giving a cloud cover of 31%, the lowest I found on the north shore of Lake Erie. The clouds have cleared up an hour ago, and I'm hopeful it stays that way for the next 3 hours!

[ozarkman417]

My cabin is in an area near Mena, AR but I may drive up to somewhere near Mount Magazine or Nebo for better viewing conditions.

Ha. Mena is about where I've decided to go.

I'm still near Mena and it's clearing up quite nicely. No need to travel north. Thank God, as I'm sure traffic is nuts right now (Lake Dardanelle SP is at max capacity and is closed to additional visitors). The partial eclipse just started here.

[vdeane]

It's looking like a complete bust for Rochester.  Fully overcast with thick, medium/low level clouds that aren't moving.  Coming here will probably be one of the biggest regrets in my entire life, especially as I could have gotten up into my Adirondacks on a day trip if I had left when I usually do for work.  Of course, that leads to the question of what people even do while they're waiting.  Deeply jealous of anyone who gets to see this eclipse or any other.  A once in a lifetime chance, and I blew it.

[Hunty2022]

The peak just passed. The clouds got in the way, but it actually made the eclipse clearer for me.



I decided to not travel much for this, staying in my home county. Next up, I'll likely actually travel for the 2044 (Montana) or 2045 (Alabama/Florida) eclipses.