ARKANSAS, USA — Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Arkansas this coming weekend in hopes of seeing the moon block out the sun's disc for a few minutes on Monday.
However, according to the latest forecast, clouds may be an issue.
The weather pattern next week continues to look active with one system passing through on Sunday bringing low clouds and scattered rain. As one system exits another one will not be far behind.
Fortunately as of Thursday afternoon, it does look like most of Arkansas will have some clearing before the next batch of thicker clouds move in later Monday afternoon and evening.
It's important to remember that the forecast could change, hopefully for the better, so make sure to check back for updates on this article for the latest forecast. We will be updating this article leading up to the eclipse with the latest info on what to expect weather-wise on April 8.
Will there be clouds?
Clouds could ruin the show for observers if they are the thick low variety or a puffy cloud in the wrong place at the wrong time. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some clouds could enhance the view during totality as the entire sky could look like a twilight scene in all directions.
The type of clouds over the path of totality will make all the difference. High clouds are likely on Monday, and will filter out the sun as long as they are a thin veil. If the high clouds are too thick more of the sun will be blocked and features like Baily's beads and the diamond ring effect may not be seen.
Middle clouds are also possible in some areas, but there could be enough breaks to see parts of the sky.
The one type of cloud that we don't want to enter the forecast would be low clouds. They are a thick blanket that would block out any view of the sun during the eclipse — disappointing observers.
Two different models show there will be clouds in the area during totality. The percentage value is for cloud coverage, this number just shows the chance of blue sky being covered by any cloud cover, and not the type.
Our forecast for Monday, April 8th is a high confidence there will be high clouds and maybe some middle clouds, which have a better chance of blocking an observer's view of the sun. The chance of low thick clouds look to creep into south and southwest Arkansas.
Here is our viewing forecast made on Thursday afternoon, April 4.
No matter what the forecast is, the darkest part of the moon's shadow will pass over a large part of Arkansas, and it will get darker in the middle of the day during totality between 1:45-1:55 p.m.
Forecasting clouds and where they are located is challenging and can sometimes be impossible, especially when the event is still several days away. With that in mind, it's once again important to remember that the forecast may change — hopefully for the better. Make sure you check back for updates on this article and on THV11 for the latest forecast.
Good luck seeing the eclipse and remember to protect yourself from the sun — the sun's angle during April can cause sun damage in less than an hour, even if it's cloudy.
What to know about potential cloud coverage in Arkansas for total solar eclipse
What you need to know about the Total Solar Eclipse
➤ The countdown to the total solar eclipse continues — check out the links below for our latest coverage on the historic event, including important information on the eclipse's start time, path of totality, great locations for observance, and the impact the eclipse could have on traffic in Arkansas.
We will be updating this article leading up to the eclipse with the latest info on what to expect weather-wise on April 8.