N.L. solar eclipse forecast still somewhat uncertain
Has there ever been this much attention on the weather forecast for April 8 from the U.S. to eastern Canada? Probably not.
But when there’s a solar eclipse, the weather forecast becomes a bit more important.
The coveted path of totality where the sun is 100 per cent covered will pass over central New Brunswick, western Prince Edward Island, the northern tip of Cape Breton, and from southwest to northeastern Newfoundland and Labrador after 4:30 p.m. ADT, 5:10 p.m. NDT Monday.
There are still some finer details to be worked out, but confidence in the weather forecast continues to increase for this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
The great news is, forecast confidence is high for good viewing conditions over Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and P.E.I. There could be the passage of some high-level clouds at times, but overall sunshine is forecast to dominate.
For Newfoundland and Labrador, forecast confidence remains lower thanks to a pair of low-pressure systems and onshore northerly winds. I do think there’s greater chances for sunshine, at least in the mix, over the southwest of Newfoundland but clouds could remain stubborn over central and eastern regions, especially along the coast.
It’s worth mentioning that while clouds obstruct viewing of the eclipse, if you’re in the path of totality a period of darkness will occur regardless of the weather, and it could be much more dramatic and faster than a sunset.
Also remember that unless in or bordering the path of totality that except for it becoming a bit darker everyone in the partial eclipse path will still experience a fair amount of daylight.
I hope all interested get to experience this — safely with the proper solar eyewear and filters.
Be sure to keep tabs on the weather forecast.