Local Circumstances Calculator TSE2017>

The majority of this total solar eclipse takes place over the contininental USA. August is an excellent month for solar eclipses in the USA. Over much of the eclipse path a typical August day is hot and humid with a potential for late afternoon rain showers. The cooling effect of the eclipse shadow may cause some clouds for form in areas of very high humidity. The maximum duration of the eclipse is 2 minutes and 45 seconds in western Kentucky near the Illinois and Tennessee borders, a hilly region. Major USA cities in the path of totality are already programmed into the Local Circumstances Calculator (see link above).

Climate: Landfall for the eclipse is across the central USA. August is a good month for eclipse chasing for most of the continent and clear sky can be expected across a great part of the path with excellent road ways in case relocation is needed. Weather information supplied via television, radio, and web should provide sufficient time to get ahead of any cloud systems. If you are mobile, a good starting location is near St Louis MO. Weather systems to the east and west of this city are fairly predictable this time of year and there is an excellent highway system for following the eclipse path.

Percent Cloud Cover and Eclipse Track

The map above is based on data from Jay Anderson, a primary resource for eclipse chasers interested in the weather. The colors represent the average cloud cover during the month of August. Some days may be completely clear and others completely cloudy - these numbers are averages giving us insight into possible locations to consider. The higher the associated number, the higher the chance of encountering clouds.

More information about Eclipse 2017: Eclipse2017.org, Interactive Google Solar Eclipse map by Xavier Jubier, NASA map and information about SE2017Aug21.