Around 20 million people in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma may have their views of Monday’s total solar eclipse obstructed by severe weather. Multiple rounds of storms are forecast to start Monday afternoon, with the primary threat being very large hail. Texas will be the most impacted, with major cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio in the path of the storms. There is also a risk of severe storms and flash flooding across much of Texas on Tuesday.
In Dallas, storms are forecast to start between 3 and 4 p.m. CT, after the eclipse which is expected around 1:30 p.m. CT. In Kerrville and Junction, Texas, the storms could start between 1 and 2 p.m. These storms may bring large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and frequent lightning to the region. However, the precise timing and location of the storms are not certain, but trends suggest they may occur after totality ends.
Unfortunately, low-, mid-, and high-level clouds will be increasing on Monday ahead of the storms, with mid- and low-level clouds potentially obscuring more of the eclipse than high-level clouds. States where clouds may impede the view of the eclipse include parts of Texas, southern Arkansas, Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and New York. However, high cirrus clouds, which are thin and wispy, are not enough to totally obscure the view but may appear as a thin mask over the eclipse. Cities such as Dallas, Kerrville, and Junction in Texas are forecast to have clouds on all levels, while cities in Arkansas, Illinois, and Indiana will mostly have high clouds.
Overall, the weather forecast for Monday’s total solar eclipse in the southern Plains and western Gulf Coast states is not ideal, with the potential for severe storms and cloudy skies which may obstruct views. It is important for those planning to view the eclipse to stay informed about the weather conditions in their area and take necessary precautions. The timing and location of the storms are subject to change, but it is advised to be prepared for possible disruptions to viewing opportunities.
