Latest weather conditions in the path of totality

US News

by Isabel Kane

Updated weather forecast for the 2024 solar eclipse shows both good news and bad news.

The good news: Conditions in the Big Apple will likely be better than expected, and New Yorkers will have a good chance of seeing the eclipse.

The bad news: For Texas and parts of the Great Lakes in the path of totality, there's a risk of missing the entire hiccup due to increased cloud cover, Fox Weather meteorologist Dax Clark told The Post.

This means that hundreds of thousands of eclipse tourists may have paid big money to look at the cloudy sky.

The upcoming eclipse, during which the moon will pass in front of the sun and obscure it, will travel from south-central Texas through the Ohio Valley to New England before traveling through northeastern Canada.

This event will cast a shadow of darkness for seconds on about 32 million Americans.

Specialized eclipse glasses are a must for viewing no matter where you view the spectacle.

Here's what the weather forecast looks like through Monday in several major cities along the path of totality.

New York City: “Very good condition”

While previous forecasts called for heavy cloud coverage and poor weather in New York on Monday, New Yorkers will be in “very good shape” to enjoy the historic solar eclipse.

“There will be temperatures in the lower 60s. There will be some clouds, but they will be high clouds. You can see through those things, so it won't completely obstruct the view,” Clark said.

Although New York City is outside the path of totality, about 91% of the eclipse will be visible from the city around 3:25 p.m.

“Cloud coverage could be about 50%, but again, those will be high clouds. So we should be in pretty good shape here,” Clark added.

Austin: Tough luck

It will be bad luck for Texans on Monday, as forecasts show clouds will likely blanket the sky during the eclipse before severe storms sweep through the region later that day.

“They're not in the best area,” Clark said.

Forecasts on Sunday showed that the area will be almost completely covered in clouds when the eclipse is expected to pass through the region, where it will be fully visible from 1:40 p.m. CST until 1:44 p.m.

“There is a very good chance that the sky will be 80 to 90 percent covered in clouds, and thunderstorms may occur during the total eclipse for Austin and nearby parts of Texas.”

Buffalo: a doubtful vision

Things were looking a little clearer for Buffalo as tourists flocked to some major cities in upstate New York ahead of the once-in-a-lifetime event — though expectations remained high in the air Sunday.

“They're another one that's going to be in doubt. Right now it's looking pretty overcast,” Clark said.

While temperatures will be 60 degrees, there will likely be about 80% cloud coverage when the eclipse moves into the region.

“You probably won't be able to see the eclipse from there,” Clark said.

If the clouds disperse, it will be possible to see the total eclipse starting at 3:18 p.m

Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio: Clearing clouds

Things will start out cloudy in Cincinnati and Columbus, with temperatures in the 60s before the skies start to clear.

“I think it will be better, there will be breaks in the clouds because they will be on their way out,” Clark said. “It won't be perfect, but I don't think it will come as a complete surprise to anyone in Ohio.”

Moving north toward Toledo, conditions will be better to enjoy the solar spectacle.

“They'll have really good viewing. Skies will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny.”

Although it is located on Lake Erie, where clouds are more likely to converge, Cleveland is in a similar situation, with forecasts indicating that skies will likely be clear by the time the eclipse moves across the region.

Dallas: Storms and cloud cover

Dallas, like Austin, will likely be hit by severe storms Monday night — but there's still a chance that residents will be able to see the eclipse during the day.

“There is a risk of severe weather there tomorrow, but it will come after the eclipse,” Clark said.

Temperatures should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit with 60% cloud coverage, although there will be breaks in that coverage, Clark noted.

“The storms are expected to subside until after 4-5 a.m.,” he said, adding that clouds will likely increase during the eclipse due to the impending storm.

Indianapolis: “One of the best cities in the country”

There will be clear skies in the path of the total eclipse as the eclipse moves across the American Crossroads at around 3:06 p.m.

“Indy looks great. It's probably one of the best cities in the country for viewing,” Clark said.

Temperatures will likely reach around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and be partly cloudy.

Louisville: Showers, then clear

Similar to Indianapolis, conditions will be ideal for viewing the eclipse in Louisville.

The forecast for Monday shows a high of 74°F with a slight chance of rain early in the morning.

These showers will likely wash away any cloud coverage before the eclipse moves through the region around 3:07 p.m

Rochester: 80% cloud cover

Like its western New York City counterpart, Rochester could best look for an area within the path of totality.

“Overall, it looks like cloud coverage is about 80 percent,” Clark said.

“I will say it's been looking better for upstate New York and the areas along the Great Lakes, but it's not looking great,” he added.

San Antonio: 'Doesn't look very good'

Like other parts of Texas, skies will likely be too cloudy in San Antonio for residents to experience the full solar eclipse.

“The forecast calls for a 30% chance of thunderstorms and showers, and 90% cloud coverage,” Clark said.

“It doesn't look very good,” Clark said.