PHOENIX — The astronomical event of the decade is now just a month away, but will the weather spoil your solar eclipse party? Here's your long-range forecast with trends and viewing tips.
On April 8, 2024, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. It will begin at 10:08 a.m. and is expected to peak at 11:20 a.m., lasting for about 4 minutes. The total time the eclipse will take to cross the U.S. will be 2 hours and 27 minutes.
Folks able to see the total solar eclipse must live along a narrow zone called the path of totality. This narrow stretch goes from Texas to Maine. The rest of us will experience a partial solar eclipse if the skies overhead are clear. Here in Phoenix, we will see about 70% totality, according to Eclipse2024.org.
Based on our climate data, for April 8, our average high temperature is 84 degrees, our average low temperature is 59 degrees, and the record for rainfall on that day was 0.99 inches set in 1926.
Last year, we enjoyed sunny skies with temperatures reaching 85 degrees. This year, the long-range forecast model shows partly cloudy skies, with a high of 78 degrees.
Leading up to that day, we should have abundantly clear skies with temps in the mid to upper 70s.
While it's way too early to commit to anything other than trends from this winter roller coaster, the key factor for clear skies will be high pressure and a wind response. April is a month famous for wind in the Valley due to spring storms passing to the north. Stay tuned to 12News for the latest news, weather and information as the 'Great American Eclipse' gets closer!
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