The forecast does not 'look promising' for viewing the solar eclipse in Wisconsin
The much-anticipated April 8 "Great American" solar eclipse is less than a week away.
Milwaukee and Wisconsin are not on the eclipse's path of totality, meaning we won't experience the brief, nighttime-like darkness locations on the path will see during the eclipse's peak. However, we will experience a partial solar eclipse; instead of darkness, its peak effects are said to resemble an overcast day.
In other words, Wisconsinites could watch the moon cover part of the sun on Monday (with the aid of eye-protective eclipse glasses) ... if the weather cooperates.
However, with a cloudy forecast due to a low-pressure system developing out west, the eclipse may be difficult (if not impossible) to see from Milwaukee, said local National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Boxell.
"Unfortunately, it's a rough time of year for something like this," he said. "The last time we had (a total solar eclipse), it was in August, which tends to be a little more favorable. Springtime is a tough time to have clear skies anywhere."
What is the solar eclipse day forecast for Milwaukee?
"We're still five days out, so things could shift, but at this point, I would say more likely than not it will be cloudy," Boxell said. "At least partly cloudy, if not overcast."
If the forecast remains this way, the clouds will make it difficult to view the eclipse from Milwaukee and could make it not visible at all, depending on the type of clouds. A situation where we see some breaks in the clouds could allow people to view some portions of the eclipse, while a completely overcast day will leave skywatchers "out of luck," Boxell said.
High, thin, cirrus-type cloud cover would probably be the "best case scenario" for making out at least some of the eclipse, he added. "But, as far as having a really good view of it, I don't think it looks particularly promising at this point."
The forecast indicates mid- and high-level clouds, but those still may be too thick for eclipse viewing. NWS long-range models indicate a 70% chance that Milwaukee will see over 50% cloud cover on Monday afternoon.
The clouds are part of a low-pressure system expected to be over the Great Plains region this weekend before shifting over the Great Lakes by Monday. This could make it difficult for anyone in the Midwest to view the eclipse, including from locations along the path of totality, Boxell said. Viewing conditions are looking better for the northeast and the Missouri-Arkansas area.
There is also a moderate chance of rain in Milwaukee's forecast Sunday afternoon through Monday night.
Milwaukee-area indoor and virtual solar eclipse day events
Even if the weather puts a damper on your eclipse plans, you can still mark the rare astronomical occasion with these indoor or virtual events in the Milwaukee area:
UW-Milwaukee: UWM will offer indoor activities, including a livestream of the total solar eclipse, free pizza, a photo booth and photo station, and a variety of astronomy-themed crafts, in the Union Ballroom from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday. An outdoor eclipse watch and activities will take place, too, weather permitting. More: Solar Eclipse Viewing Party | Manfred Olson Planetarium.
Milwaukee Public Museum: MPM will stream NASA's live webcast of the total solar eclipse and has indoor educational activities planned in the event of inclement weather. Outdoor viewing and activities are also planned. Monday, 12:30 to 3 p.m. More: 2024 Solar Eclipse Watch | Milwaukee Public Museum.
Brookfield Public Library: The library will host a free, indoor stream of NASA's live webcast in the library's community room. Monday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. More: Brookfield Public Library ? Solar Eclipse Streaming.
More local eclipse events: Can't travel for the April 8 solar eclipse? Experience it at these Milwaukee eclipse events
More: Where is the closest city to Milwaukee to view the 2024 total solar eclipse?
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is Milwaukee's weather forecast for the April 8 solar eclipse?
