Meteorologists have modestly improved their forecasts for eclipse-watching conditions in Vermont on Monday, slightly decreasing projections for cloud cover in the Green Mountain State during the total solar eclipse.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service on Wednesday had expressed cautious optimism, projecting less than 30% cloud cover, and appeared to be improving their outlook by Friday, dropping that figure to as low as 15% in some areas.
The eclipse will take place at about 3:30 p.m. on Monday.
“Our maximum cloud cover that we’re expecting between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the path of totality really ranges from about 15% in the Champlain Valley to about 25% across northern New York,” National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Clay said.
As far as April weather in Vermont, he noted that this is a positive outlook, particularly on the heels of wet snow and power outages that walloped Vermont this week.
“There will be some high clouds that’ll be moving into the area on Monday, but it looks like those are probably going to hold off until after the eclipse time. So everything’s still looking on track at this time,” Clay said.
In addition to clear skies, the temperature is expected to be a balmy spring 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Compared to Vermont, viewing conditions in other parts of the country within the path of totality — the shadow that the eclipse will cast in a line across globe — are expected to be less sunny.
“The majority of the path of totality looks like it’s going to be mostly to potentially overcast,” Clay said.
Even this week’s early spring snow was well-timed and hasn’t complicated eclipse activities in Vermont. With weekend precipitation likely to include only mild snow and rain showers on Saturday, the masses of people expected to be traveling to Vermont for eclipse viewing won’t be plagued by messy roads, though officials are urging caution and preparedness as traffic could be widespread.
“I think the snowstorm kind of came at a sweet spot time for us, where we get the snow out of the way prior to the weekend ahead of the travel,” said Clay. “The roads for this weekend, they should be snow free. They may be a little wet, but you know, there really shouldn’t be any adverse road conditions associated with any new weather.”
Additionally, by Sunday the majority of the ground should be clear of snow, though not necessarily ready for picnic blankets.
“You can’t say there won’t be a few patches. But I think overall, we should be snow free, but very muddy,” Clay said.
There is one thing those planning to watch the eclipse from a seat on the ground should look out: some very soggy grass. Though, as Clay noted, a muddy ground is “better than having a snowstorm during the eclipse for sure.”
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont eclipse forecast: Sunshine and clear skies still predicted for Monday .