Meteorologists project some cloud cover, possible rain during Monday's eclipse

Viewing Monday’s solar eclipse may be a nebulous proposition in western Pennsylvania if a weather forecast that includes cloud cover is correct.

“We are expecting partly to mostly cloudy skies on Monday during the eclipse,” said Brian Hutton Jr., meteorologist at TribLive news partner WTAE. “There are still some questions on how thick the clouds will be and if we can squeeze in a break in the clouds for some sunshine as we near our totality, but clouds will be around.”

Erie will be in the path of totality for nearly four minutes. The Pittsburgh region will see the moon cover approximately 97% of the sun, with maximum totality 3:17 p.m., according to the Carnegie Science Center. Sunlight will dim for a few minutes here, but the sky will not go dark.

Matthew Kramar, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Pittsburgh office, said it is not very likely that the skies will be clear Monday — but it’s also unlikely that the sun and moon will be completely obscured.

“There’s a low likelihood of it being completely overcast, and there’s a low likelihood of it being clear,” he said. “Odds are, there will be some clouds.”

Even if clouds make it harder to see the sun itself, the amount of light will change during the eclipse, regardless of cloud cover, Kramar said.

“The visibility of the actual eclipse itself will depend on what kind of cloud cover we have. If it’s just some cirrus, some high-level wispy clouds, that’s entirely likely to be visible. If it’s thicker, mid-level clouds, it could be problematic if it’s overcast,” he said. “We’re not going to be totally eclipsed here, but the amount of sun will decrease. It will feel a lot later in the day than it actually is for that brief period of time.”

There is still a good deal of uncertainty in the cloud cover forecast for the solar eclipse. Glass half full: there is a low probability skies will be completely overcast. Glass half empty: there is a low probability skies will be completely clear. pic.twitter.com/Ci8Wm2UJ9e

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) April 5, 2024

There’s a 20% likelihood of rain showers all day on Monday, he added. Temperatures will range around 60.

Shannon Hesseran, another meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Pittsburgh office, noted that cloud cover is not unusual for the city.

“If you don’t have any clouds, you get a better shot to see something. But we live in (a) cloudy Great Lakes area, and it’s never the best, depending on the way the wind blows across the lake. That brings clouds into the area,” she said. “We are one of the cloudiest cities in America.”

Unlike precipitation, she said, cloud cover is more likely to vary minute to minute. Clouds can clear up and then come back quickly.

For the day leading up to the event, the weather should be pleasant, with minimal chance of precipitation and a relatively sunny sky.

“It will start the day cold on Sunday, below freezing likely, but will get up into the upper 50s in most areas, and some approaching 60,” Kramar said.

More on the eclipse

• How to photograph the solar eclipse like a pro
• Chickens may roost, but dogs, cats likely will be unfazed during solar eclipse
• Eclipse education: Western Pa. schools make plans for day of astronomical event
• For these and more eclipse stories, click here

Despite the likely presence of clouds Monday, Hutton emphasized it’s still never safe to look directly at the sun without eye protection.

“Even if cloudy, if you are going to look at the eclipse, you still need eclipse glasses,” he said. “Just like a normal day with clouds, looking directly at the sun for any period can cause permanent damage to your eyes.”