COLUMBUS, Ohio — The day of the total solar eclipse is here and thousands of Ohioans are awaiting news of whether they'll be able to actually see the once-in-a-lifetime event.
If clouds don't get in the way, viewers in the path wearing eclipse glasses will see the moon begin to slowly cover the sun until it is completely blocked, a period of darkness called “totality" during which temperatures drop and the sun's corona will be visible.
What’s the forecast along the eclipse’s path?
Most clouds are expected to exit by mid-morning on Monday, especially north and west of Columbus, but for the city and areas to the east things are less certain. For areas that see the most clearing, what remains are some high thin clouds by the afternoon.
That may not be terrible news for the eclipse. If the clouds aren't terribly thick, they may not obscure the eclipse much. However, if the cirrus clouds are a bit thicker, it may lead to a "milky" sky, obscuring the eclipse.
Doppler 10 Chief Meteorologist Jerry Martz reported in February that 45% of all hourly observations during the month of April from across the entire state were overcast, meaning that it was completely cloudy.
Statistically speaking, most of the locations in Ohio that are in the path of totality (in which the moon will completely block out the light from the sun) have a 70-80% chance of being cloudy during the afternoon of the eclipse.
Weather data from April 8
The Doppler 10 weather team will carefully monitor the weather leading up to the eclipse and will keep you informed.
