Solar Eclipse

Path of total solar eclips (National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, NOAA).

On April 8, 2024, the moon will cast a shadow on the Earth creating a total solar eclipse. The sun will be completely blocked by the moon for a route from Mexico to Canada, known as the path of totality. Viewers will flock to this path to see this magnificent show that will last a few minutes. But will the show be visible? There must be clear skies to fully view the eclipse.

Photo info: Jordan Husney, Grand Island, NE, August 21, 2017

Sky cover was analyzed between the years 1996 and 2023 during the hours of totality. The map below shows the percent of years with clear skies, defined as zero cloud cover. The San Antonio Stinson Municipal Airport, TX and the Waco Regional Airport, TX had 45% of their years with clear skies, the highest of the stations analyzed. Oppositely, the Rochester Greater International Airport, NY only had 1% of years with clear skies.

You can view four categories of possible sky cover by clicking on a station.

The map below shows the percent of years with overcast skies, defined as complete or 100% cloud cover. Saranac Lake, NY had the highest percent of overcast years with 58%. Texarkana, AR had the lowest with 12% of years with overcast skies.

Good luck with your viewing! The next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States will be in 2044.