Total Solar Eclipse Forecast Update 8/16/17

We are now just five days away form the Total Solar Eclipse. The models have been wavering a little over the past few days for what the conditions may be like during the timeframe of the eclipse in our area. Rain chances are slowly putting themselves back into play. Cloud cover is also becoming a slight possibility as well. We could see a portion of the county with cloud cover while another portion of the county has clear skies. Please remember to wear the proper safety glasses when viewing the eclipse. If you don't plan to look up at it. You can be outside with out that eye wear. Please just don't look up at the eclipse as it is occurring. 

As of right now I feel we have about a 30% chance of seeing some isolated showers and thunderstorms during the timeframe of the eclipse. Still a few days out so pinpointing those times are difficult. We should have more answers on this as we move closer to Monday. 

As of right now it looks like about 50% of the county could be under some cloud cover at the beginning of the eclipse. As we get closer to the peak we could see clearing that will give us a chance to have some decent viewing as the moon is completely blocking the sun. Or at least in our case here in Rowan County about 98% of the moon will be blocking the sun. 

The High Temperature around the time the eclipse will be starting will be around 93º we could see temps as the eclipse reaches its peak around 20º cooler in the low 70's. We will of course start to warm back up as the eclipse nears it end. 

Please as I have mentioned a few times over the past days. If you are going to view the eclipse as it occurs. Make sure you have the proper safety glasses. If you are not sure if yours are proper. The easy way to check them. Is to put them on. Look up but not directly at the sun. If you don't see anything but darkness you are good. When the eclipse occurs you will be able to see the moon pass in front of the sun with those glasses. I will continue to provide updates as we get closer and closer to the Total Solar Eclipse. As always thank you for following Rowan County Weather!