Weather Leading Up To The April 8th Total Solar Eclipse

Alton, Mo. – The Great American Eclipse is Monday, April 8, 2024. Because it is on a Monday, many people are taking advantage and planning a holiday-like weekend. Whether you stay home, rent a cabin, use an Airbnb, use an RV, or stay in a tent, the weather across the weekend will determine your experiences during this eclipse. What about going down the river or visiting one of the numerous festivals? Will the weather allow it?

But First, We Need a “New” Moon

As a quick aside, if you look at the above image of the moon, you might be interested to know that it was taken yesterday morning as the sun was just about ready to pop up over the eastern horizon here in Alton, Mo.

The reason it might interest you is that the moon is approaching it’s “New Moon” phase. The new moon will occur, you probably already guessed it, April 8th at exactly 1:23 pm ^[1]. That’s about a half hour before the Total Solar Eclipse begins here in Alton, Missouri at around 1:55 pm ^[2].

It might seem obvious that the new moon phase be in effect on the day of and that it would coincide with the eclipse —it wasn’t to us at first we admit— but it is essential for the moon to be in the direct path between the sun and earth for the eclipse to even have a chance to be, what the experts call, a Total Solar Eclipse.

Here is the forecast, subject to updates…

You know the weather, “stick around and it’ll change” the saying goes. Well, here’s the best attempt by our glorified meteorologist prognosticators!

Saturday

As the big event weekend approaches, many people are hoping for good weather. Weather gurus say to expect sunshine and a beautiful day outdoors. By evening, winds will pick up (so secure those tents), and one can possibly experience a late-night thunderstorm.

Sunday

Rain passes through in the morning. The afternoon should allow visitors and locals to go back outside. Sunny and breezy with temperatures reaching 78 make it a fine ending to any weekend.

Monday

This is it—we have waited years for the eclipse! What can we expect? While forecasters threatened us with clouds all week, that is not in the works for Monday. Viewers want bright, sunny skies to appreciate this eclipse fully, and forecasters will give them that. High temperatures just under 80 degrees Fahrenheit will keep everyone in a festive mood. Those leaving the area Monday night can experience moderate temperatures. Clear skies will help all who want to see the full solar eclipse.

Tuesday

If you plan to avoid traffic and stay an extra day, weathermen say rain may or may not be coming in on Tuesday.

One can turn to Accuweather or NOAA for up-to-the-minute weather to picture radar and local temperatures. AltonMo.com hopes each person viewing the eclipse has a memorable time.