TYLER, Texas — The computer weather guidance doesn't look hopeful for a clear sky across Texas on Monday, April 8. But there is still hope that the clouds part just enough to give us a glimpse of this once in a lifetime event - the total solar eclipse.
Weather data suggests the sky could be filled with anywhere from two-thirds cloud cover to an overcast sky. But at this point, it's unknown how thick the clouds will be or what the sky could look like from hour to hour. So there is still hope that we get a view of the total solar eclipse. It's hope because in 2017, about a half hour before totality, across the state of Missouri, a mostly cloudy sky began to clear.
Why? It's because of the loss of solar radiation. The sun's energy helps clouds build, temperatures rise and the relative humidity to fall but during a total solar eclipse, when the moon is passing between the Earth and the soon, the opposite occurs.
So much will depend on the amount and type of cloud cover that is overhead Monday. A storm will be affecting the middle of the country early next week. If the storm slows down, we will be in a more favorable position for viewing. If it speeds up, then rain and thunderstorms could arrive before the eclipse occurs.
It's definitely not worth canceling plans just yet but also definitely something to keep an eye the rest of the week and into the weekend.
