A total solar eclipse in 2024 will pass across the United States, including a small portion of southeastern Michigan, exactly one month later. And although things can change (it is Midwest weather, after all), the early cloud forecast for April 8 paints a promising picture for skywatchers in the Great Lakes region.
As anticipation grows for this rare celestial event, meteorologists are diligently analyzing long-range forecasts to predict ideal viewing conditions along the path of totality, which extends from Maine to Texas and includes a small area of Monroe County and much of northern Ohio.
Weather forecast for April 8, 2024
Right now, South Texas, the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions currently have the best chance for clear skies on April 8 based on the latest data, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Paul Pasteluk.
Of course, clear skies are a must to be able to experience the eclipse at its best.
The forecast is not a prediction of whether April 8 will be generally cloudy, but rather whether it will be cloudy for four minutes when the moon completely blocks the sun.
Where in Michigan to watch the 2024 eclipse
In Detroit, the eclipse will begin at 1:58 p.m., reach maximum intensity (99%), or coverage, around 3:14 p.m., and conclude with a final partial eclipse at 4:27 p.m.
While Michigan does not easily appear to be in the overall path on the AccuWeather map, NASA's map shows the path passing through the southeast corner of the state.
Erie is likely the best place in Michigan to view a total solar eclipse with Eclipse2024.org listed in the total eclipse path. Also on the list is Luna Pier, which is further north and closer to the edge of the trail.
One positive aspect of the long-range forecast is the temperature forecast for early April.
“At this point, we don't see any dangerous late-season cold weather, but it could be cooler in parts of the south-central Plains and Midwest, and cooler across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast,” Pastelok explained.
Free Press editor Tanya Wild contributed to this report.
