Total solar eclipse live updates with FOX Weather
Join us for live coverage of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Watch as the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow along its path. Stay tuned for real-time updates with FOX Weather.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Total solar eclipses happen nearly every year, but the odds that you’ll find yourself under one’s totality are estimated to be less than once in a lifetime. The next event visible from the U.S. will be in March 2033, but to see it in person, you’ll have to travel to Alaska. An event in 2044 will be visible from the continental U.S., but its scope will be limited, with only parts of Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota in the path of totality.
A GOES East image shows the shadow of the eclipse moving across the U.S. (Image: NOAA)
NOAA's GOES-East satellite watched the shadow of the total solar eclipse as it crossed the U.S. from Texas to Maine.
For the most part, cloud cover cooperated and millions witnessed the total solar eclipse from Texas to Maine. Here's a recap of the rare celestial treat that won't return to the continental U.S. for another 20 years.
Kevin Coleman and Pete McLeod fly across the Total Solar Eclipse in Sulphur Springs, Texas, USA on April 8, 2024. (Image: Dustin Snipes and Mason Mashon/Red Bull)
Red Bull aerobatic pilots Kevin Coleman and Pete McCleod flew above Sulphur Springs, Texas during the total solar eclipse. Photographers Dustin Snipes and Mason Mashon were able to capture their aerial stunts and the eclipse as the same time.
While the thunderstorms held off long enough for the total solar eclipse in Texas, some heading home are now facing strong to severe weather.
A Tornado Warning is in place for New Waverly and Phelps, Texas.
A tweet from the Indiana Department of Transportation. (Image: INDOT Northeast/X)
After the total solar eclipse, viewers can expect heavy traffic as they leave the path of totality. Department of transportation officials across all 15 states are telling people to stay put for awhile before they head home.
The moon eclipses the sun viewed from the campus of Southern Illinois University on April 08, 2024 in Carbondale, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Carbondale, Illinois saw its second total solar eclipse in 7 years on Monday. The view was spectacular for those who experience the event.
With the total eclipse over you might not need those solar glasses anymore. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. won't occur for another 20 years.
You can donate lightly used glasses to Astronomers Without Boarders.
The view of totality in Houlton, Maine. (Images: NASA/Mark Sudduth)
The skies were clear in New England for the total solar eclipse with Maine being the last in the U.S. to see the celestial event.
FOX Weather Storm Tracker Mark Sudduth was in Houlton , Maine with his family to experience the eclipse. He said it was emotional.
"It's like watching a child be born," Sudduth said. "Absolutely incredible."
The view of the diamond ring ahead of the total solar eclipse in Tupper Lake, New York. (Image: FOX Weather/NASA)
While Rochester, New York was plunged into darkness during the eclipse FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campell said clouds blocked the view of totality.
Even with the cloud cover, the crowd was excited and felt the temperature changes throughout the astronomical event.
In Cleveland, Ohio, FOX Weather Correspondent Max Gorden said totality was an "incredible moment" and many were "lost for words" as the eclipse plunged the city into darkness for a few minutes.
Totality in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 8, 2024. (image: FOX Weather)
FOX Weather's Kendall Smith and Robert Ray are both in Indianapolis experiencing the total solar eclipse.
More than 50,000 visitors are the Indianapolis Motor Speedway cheered as totality began.
Robert's camera tracked the eclipse the entire way even capturing a visible solar flare.
FOX Weather's Stephen Morgan watching the total solar eclipse in Dallas, Texas. (Image: FOX Weather/NASA)
Despite one small pesky cloud, the view of the total solar eclipse was beautiful from Dallas, Texas.
Cheers, screams and celebrations were heard all around. FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan called it "the quickest 4 minutes of my life."
With the Sun's face covered, multiple planets were also visible in the middle of the afternoon including Venus and Jupiter.
Near totality in Dallas, Texas. (image: NASA)
The Sun's face was covered during totality bringing temporary darkness to Eagle Pass and Kerrville, Texas.
There is less than 1 minutes to go before totality reaches Dallas.
Southwest Flight 1252 and Delta Flight 1010 will take passengers on the flight of a lifetime flying along the path of totality. Both flights are now in the air.
A tweet from the DOT of the clouds and the Sun over Dallas, Texas. (Image: Texas DOT)
In Dallas, FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan said the clouds have parted in time for totality just a few minutes away.
The cloud cover forecast along the path of totality in the U.S. from Texas to Maine. (Image: FOX Weather)
The cloud cover is improving in major cities along the path of totality, including Dallas, Little Rock and Indianapolis.
Totality in Mazaltan, Mexico. (Image: NASA)
The view of totality from Mazatlan, Mexico. This view courtesy of NASA shows the corona as the Sun's face is completely blocked by the Moon.
The moon begins to eclipse the sun on April 8, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. Millions of people have flocked to areas across North America that are in the "path of totality" in order to experience a total solar eclipse. During the event, the moon will pass in between the sun and the Earth, appearing to block the sun. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
This is the view from Fort Worth, Texas as the Moon begins to eclipse the Sun. Totality happens in less than 40 minutes at 1:40 p.m. CT.
With a partial eclipse underway across the lower half of the U.S. path of totality, learn about what to expect with the weather when totality happens.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan talks to NOAA SWPC's Bill Murtagh in Dallas. (Image: FOX Weather)
Bill Murtagh, with NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, explains why space weather forecasters and solar scientists study eclipses to learn more about our solar system's star.
Less than an hour from a partial eclipse in New York, state officials say all DEC trailhead parking in the Adirondacks are at capacity.
On the left, the shadow of the eclipse on the Earth as seen by NOAA's GOES satellite. (Image: NOAA)
NOAA's GOES-East satellite is seeing the shadow of the eclipse inching closer as totality approaches for the U.S.
With a partial eclipse less than 1 hour away, parks in Indiana are filling up. Totality in Indianapolis happens at 3:06 p.m.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said the follow parks are full:
Brown County State Park
Cagles Mill Lake Cataract Falls
Ouabache State Park
Summit Lake State Park
Mounds State Park
Bride and groom Kylee and Michael Rice prepare to take a hot air balloon ride before a planned mass wedding of over 200 couples at the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival on April 8, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
A festival in Arkansas will host a mass wedding during the total solar eclipse in just a few hours. Couples are preparing to say "I Do" At the Total Eclipse of the Heart ceremony in Russellville.
Purdue University Professor Barrett Caldwell speaks to FOX Weather's Robert Ray in Indianapolis. (Image: FOX Weather)
The Sun is approaching a period of peak activity known as Solar Maximum in its 11-year cycle.
"This is a really good time for a solar eclipse," Purdue University Professor Barrett Caldwell said.
Watch his full interview and learn why now is the best time for an eclipse.
The eclipse timing in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Image: FOX Weather)
The first signs of the crescent of a partial eclipse in Texas will happen near Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT with totality at 1:27 p.m. and the final partial eclipse ending at 2:51 p.m. ET.
Dallas has to wait a little longer with totality at 1:40 p.m.
While only a tiny corner of New Hampshire is in the path of totality, eclipse viewers are flocking to it via Interstate 93 and 89, aerial video from New Hampshire State Police shows.
The Sun is shinning in Cleveland, Ohio a few hours before the total solar eclipse. (Image: FOX Weather)
FOX Weather Correspondent Max Gorden reports the weather conditions are improving in Cleveland after heavy cloud cover all morning.
The view of the Sun through FOX Weather correspondent Robert Ray's camera. (Image: FOX Weather)
FOX Weather's Robert Ray in Indianapolis shows how fast the Sun is moving and how he will have to constantly reframe his video camera to capture the total solar eclipse.
Learn how he plans to share views of the eclipse here.
A 25-mile traffic backup on Interstate 55 in St. Louis County, Missouri hours before the April 8, 2024 eclipse. (Image: Missouri DOT)
Department of Transportation cameras along highways in the path of totality are showing congestion in Missouri, New York, Ohio and Texas as eclipse watchers try to get in place to witness the celestial event.
If you haven't left yet, don't delay any longer!
NOAA GOES satellite Day Cloud Phase Distinction imagery. (Image: NOAA)
Not all clouds are created equal or will completely obscure the view of the solar eclipse.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo shared this GOES satellite view of the cloud cover over New York ahead of the total solar eclipse.
High clouds, seen in orange, are like looking up at the sky through a dryer sheet. Lower clouds, seen in blue, could be potentially view blocking. Meanwhile those in the dark blue have clear sky.
The welcome bonfire at Fenley Farms for eclipse watchers. (Image: Fenley Farms)
Eclipse watchers are camping at Fenley Farms in Valliant, Oklahoma ahead of the total solar eclipse.
Mykal Jordan, legacy rancher at Fenley Farms, explains how they are sharing farm life with their eclipse guests.
One thing the ranchers are unsure of is how all the cows on the farm will react to the sudden darkness during totality. There is an ongoing NASA study about how animals react to solar eclipses.
“The good news is they are made for this, they are made for all elements, so they are able to adapt,” Jordan said.
Organizers of the Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet announced on Monday that it would end the festival due to the threat of severe weather.
A large portion of Texas, including locations within the path of totality during the total solar eclipse, will be at risk of seeing thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts possible tornadoes.
Check out more details about the severe weather threat here.
“Your safety is our top priority,” festival organizers said . “With the support and coordination of Burnet County officials, local safety agencies and the National Weather Service, we’ve agreed to end the festival today in a calm orderly manner.”
FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray has been preparing for months to bring you views of the Sun during the total solar eclipse.
He is in Indianapolis where eclipse watchers are gathering ahead of the 3:06 p.m. totality.
You’ll be able to see the eclipse no matter where you are thanks to his special camera and a solar lens.
Here's where you can see the eclipse in Indiana.
The Dallas District of the Texas Department of Transportation shared a fun photo on X, formerly Twitter, and said crews would be ready across the Lone Star State for any issues that may arise during the total solar eclipse on Monday.
While millions on the ground hope for clear skies during the total solar eclipse on Monday, a group of skydivers will be above them jumping from a perfectly good airplane right before totality over New York.
Check out the interview below, and read more here.
Monday’s total solar eclipse will track across the U.S. from Texas to Maine, so if you’re not in any of the states that will be plunged into darkness today, there are other opportunities in the future.
The article below shows where and when future eclipses will occur.
Some strange animal behavior has been recorded during eclipses of the past, but you probably won’t see anything unusual from your pets during Monday’s total solar eclipse.
But the article below explains some things you can do to ensure your furry friends stay safe.
A total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of Mexico, Canada and the U.S., from Texas to Maine, this afternoon. But of course, Mother Nature needs to cooperate. FOX Weather has compiled a collection of forecast maps and current conditions to track the weather as the solar eclipse moves across the U.S.
FOX Weather Correspondent Max Gorden is in Cleveland, where clouds are expected at the time of totality during the solar eclipse on Monday afternoon.
Check out the total solar eclipse live tracker for the latest cloud forecasts.
Here's where you can see the total solar eclipse in Ohio on Monday.
People have started to gather at Niagara Falls in New York in advance of the total solar eclipse on Monday afternoon.
Here's where you can see the total solar eclipse in New York on Monday.
Crowds started to gather at Niagara Falls early Monday morning for the total solar eclipse.(Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Vermont State Parks said on X, formerly Twitter, that it has removed Little River State Park and Emerald Lake State Park from its list of recommended solar eclipse viewing locations due to downed trees and safety concerns after last week’s nor’easter.
Here’s where you can see the solar eclipse in Vermont on Monday.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has placed more than 5 million people in a Level 3 out of 5 risk, including some cities along the western edge of the path of totality in Texas such as Dallas, on its 5-point severe thunderstorm risk scale.
But more than 10 million people are in a Level 2 out of 5 risk, which includes several other cities along the path of totality like San Antonio, Austin, Waco and Texarkana.
Little Rock, Arkansas, is also at risk of seeing severe weather on Monday, but the severe weather risk there is slightly lower.
Millions of people in the path of totality in those areas should prepare for the possibility of severe weather, including downloading the free FOX Weather app and enabling notifications to receive important severe weather alerts should any be issued on Monday.
FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray spoke with Visit Indy Senior Director of Public Relations Morgan Snyder who said it’s possible that 125,000 people may be visiting the city for the total solar eclipse on Monday.
Here's where you can see the total solar eclipse in Indiana on Monday.
The Dallas Police Department is reminding people not to stop on highways or roads to watch the solar eclipse on Monday.
Here are other things you shouldn’t be doing during the solar eclipse.
Like your eyes, your smartphone lens cannot look directly at the Sun.
This puts a damper on the eclipse photos you hope to capture of the big event when the total solar eclipse crosses the U.S. from Texas to Maine.
This is where a solar filter for your phone can help.
Check out the article below to see how you can photograph the eclipse with your phone.
The National Weather Service office in Burlington says waterways in Vermont are still extremely cold, and people in the state hoping to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse should do so from onshore for safety reasons and to prevent hypothermia.
Here's where to see the total solar eclipse in Vermont on Monday.
If you're able to experience the solar eclipse today, it's extremely important to to wear the proper eye protection to stay safe.
A New York woman received permanent eye damage during the eclipse in 2017 after she thought she was wearing proper safety glasses.
The city of Ennis will experience the longest time in totality in Texas during the solar eclipse on Monday afternoon, and FOX 4 Dallas Reporter Paige Ellenberger spoke with the city’s marketing manager about the types of preparations that have been made ahead of the event.
Here’s where to see the total solar eclipse in Texas on Monday.
The severe weather outlook for April 8, 2024. (FOX Weather)
Nearly the entire eclipse's path of totality within Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in North Texas, faces a severe weather risk beginning Monday afternoon as a storm system moves into the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley.
The hope is that the thunderstorms might hold off just long enough into the afternoon after the eclipse passes through the region. Even so, severe weather later in the afternoon and evening could catch travelers off guard in what is expected to be heavy traffic through the rest of the day as eclipse gazers head home.
Did you know that today’s solar eclipse will be a little different than the one we experienced in 2017?
NASA Lunar Scientist Dr. Noah Petro spoke with FOX Weather meteorologists Bob Van Dillen and Britta Merwin to explain why.
Check it out.
If you're in Little Rock and looking for a way to celebrate the solar eclipse, think about heading off to the Little Rock Zoo to check out some of their family-friendly events.
If the zoo isn't on your list, here are other areas where you can see the total solar eclipse in Arkansas.
America's Total Eclipse is happening today. Here's the latest outlook from the FOX Forecast Center showing which regions of the U.S. will have the best viewing conditions and which areas might have to contend with cloud cover.
The National Weather Service office in Albany, New York, released some information about what they're expecting in terms of cloud cover for the solar eclipse this afternoon.
Check out a more detailed look at the total solar eclipse forecast.
We're just hours away from the total solar eclipse, and millions of people are hoping for nice weather for prime viewing conditions.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen has a look at the forecast on Monday morning.
Excitement is building for today's total solar eclipse as millions of people across the U.S. from Texas to Maine prepare to be plunged into darkness.
But did you know that while the darkness only lasts for a few minutes, its impact on temperatures, winds and cloud cover can last much longer?
Check out the article below for more.
There is more to a solar eclipse than totality, including the interesting science behind the eclipse phases along the path to a total solar eclipse.
From partial eclipse through totality, the process takes several hours, and the final moments before totality include displays of light known as Baily's Beads and the Diamond Ring.
Check out the article below for more.
Today is the day when millions of people from Texas to Maine will be plunged into darkness for the total solar eclipse.
But will the forecast cooperate?
Check out the article below for a collection of forecast maps and current conditions to track the weather as the eclipse moves across the U.S. today.
The Cleveland Police Department is reminding people who are planning to travel to watch the solar eclipse to plan their trips carefully and to allow for extra time for traffic.
Check out this article for more helpful travel tips.
It is not too late to be a NASA scientist for a day if you will be along the path of totality. Researchers need your help and anyone with a smartphone can record valuable data that could lead to better forecasts for damaging solar storms.
Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in the path of totality for Monday's solar eclipse. FOX Weather's Max Gorden found out how many visitors the institution is expecting and most importantly what song it will play when day turns to night. You will have to listen to find out.
A family near Austin, Texas got creative and decided to make some money from their home being in the path of totality. They are renting out the yard: $75 for the day or $150 to camp out.
Authorities fear a traffic repeat of the 2017 solar eclipse when fatal traffic crashes soared by 30%.
Over 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.
A composition of three images showing the partial stages of the eclipse, finishing with the spectacular Baily's Beads just moments before totality. (Photograph by Jamie Cooper. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)
Right before the Sun's face is completely covered, known as totality, there are two eclipse phases that happen last known as Baily's Beads and Diamond Ring.
While you can wear welding goggles or a welding helmet to watch the eclipse, most welding equipment found in hardware stores is not dark enough. To safely look at the Sun, a welding helmet needs to be Shade 12 or higher, according to NASA.
While the Moon and the Sun are the big show stoppers during the eclipse, the temporary daytime darkness also provides an excellent opportunity to observe some planets and even the colorful comet 12P.
Last but not least, the cloud cover forecast continues to improve for Maine. As the last state in the U.S. to experience totality it will be worth the wait.
Less than 24 hours ahead of the total solar eclipse, Caribou, Maine is looking at clear skies. Here's what you need to know about watching the eclipse in Maine.
Northwest Ohio cloud cover forecast for Monday.
Cleveland is preparing to welcome up to 200,000 people to see the total solar eclipse. FOX Weather Correspondent Max Gorden reports these crowds are about as big as if the city was hosting three Cleveland Browns' games simultaneously.
Right now, the big question is if the clouds will dissipate enough for everyone to see totality. Here is a look at the cloud forecast less than 24 hours before totality.
Now less than 24 hours until the total solar eclipse, forecast models are beginning to narrow. Areas along the path of totality in the Midwest and New England are looking like they have the best chance for clear skies on Monday afternoon.
Carbondale, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana are becoming front runners for the best conditions in the Midwest. Meanwhile, Burlington, Vermont and Caribou, Maine could steal the show in New England.
For most, a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Carbondale, Illinois this rare astronomical wonder is the second in seven years. The Great American Eclipse in 2017 passed through Southern Illinois and once again a total eclipse will also cast the region into darkness on Monday. Learn how they are celebrating being at the eclipse crossroads.
Here is the latest forecast for the potentially severe weather forecast across the path of totality for Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has been upgraded to a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe weather because of the threat of very large hail upwards of 2 inches or greater in diameter.
The hope is that the severe weather threat might hold off just long enough into the afternoon after the eclipse passes through the region, however, it could be more problematic for those traveling home after watching the eclipse.
A map showing Airbnb bookings on April 7, 2024. (Image credit: Airbnb)
Airbnb said it saw a 1,000% surge in bookings for the weekend ahead of the total solar eclipse. Less than 24 hours before the big event, Airbnb said 25% of its overall guests in the U.S. are staying in the path of totality.
Some of the most popular cities for Airbnb this weekend include:
• Buffalo, New York
• Stowe, Vermont
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Rochester, New York
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dallas and San Antonio, Texas
FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray is at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he brought a long a few extra tools to help cover the eclipse and share beautiful views of totality with you. Here's a look at what you can expect.
During the total solar eclipse as the Moon blocks the Sun's face areas along the path of totality, including northwest and central Ohio, will go from daytime brightness to darkness similar to dusk.
Ohio Department of Transportation officials are asking drivers to turn on their headlights Monday afternoon and watching for pedestrians.
In Texas, the Travis County Emergency Operation Center has been activated Sunday ahead the total solar eclipse.
Along the path of totality, Austin is a hot spot for eclipse viewing. Travis County is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors hoping to witness the event.
Park officials in New York and Vermont are asking hikers to stay off mountain trails during the total eclipse as weather conditions can change quickly in the spring.
Mud, snow and ice are all hazards hikers could experience, making an accident more likely.
New York State Park officials said their campgrounds are fully booked for Monday.
The FOX Forecast Center cloud cover forecast for Burlington, Vermont on Monday.
Cities in Vermont and Maine will be some of the last under the path of totality before the eclipse heads into Atlantic Canada.
For New England, the FOX Forecast Center said there are few clouds expected around 3:26 p.m. when totality begins in Burlington. About 24 hours ahead of the eclipse, the forecast is looking promising for this region.
An hourly forecast for Indianapolis on Monday by the FOX Forecast Center.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is ready to welcome thousands of eclipse viewers on Monday.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith is in Indianapolis where the only thing that could stand in the way is some cloud cover.
Here’s a look at the hourly forecast in Indianapolis, Indiana for Monday.
The Dallas Police Department is warning drivers of rolling road closures into downtown areas of the city starting Monday afternoon due to the total solar eclipse.
This includes exits off major highways.
However, exits out of downtown will remain open.
Here’s where to see the total solar eclipse in Texas on April 8.
We're less than a day away from America's total solar eclipse on Monday, but a severe weather threat and clouds could put the viewing experience in jeopardy for millions of people.
The article below has the latest solar eclipse weather forecast.
People have been planning to travel for the total solar eclipse for weeks, months and even years.
So, if you’re looking for a last-minute stay along the path of totality, you may be out of luck.
Vacation analytics firm Airdna.co reports short-term rentals have seen unprecedented occupancy rates with cities like Dallas, Cleveland, Buffalo, New York and Jeffersonville, Vermont, seeing an occupancy rate of nearly 100%.
So if you're thinking of hitting the road instead, the article below has some helpful advice and safety tips.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced on X, formerly Twitter, that all Erie County, New York , city offices will be closed on Monday for the solar eclipse.
Here's where to see the total solar eclipse in New York on April 8.
There are plenty of things you can do to safely enjoy the total solar eclipse on Monday, but there are also some things you shouldn’t be doing.
Not only for your safety but also for the safety of others.
One of the most important: Don’t stare directly at the Sun.
Check out the article below for more information.
It's not only about looking good.
Did you know that wearing colors like red or green during the total solar eclipse on Monday could greatly enhance your viewing experience?
Check out the article below to see the science behind it.
We're just one day away from America's total solar eclipse on Monday, and it's gearing up to be a great show if you're lucky enough to be in the path of totality.
But don't forget your eclipse glasses! The article below has other important safety information to make your solar eclipse experience a safe one.
Millions of people in the South from Texas to Arkansas will be at risk of seeing some severe weather on Monday, which could threaten the view of the total solar eclipse.
Here's a more detailed look at the solar eclipse forecast on Monday, April 8.
While some abnormal animal behavior has been reported during past eclipses, don’t expect anything unusual from your pets. But you can do a few things to ensure they’ll stay safe.
The FAA highlighted airports in Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland as being at risk for delays during the eclipse. (Getty Images)
More than 30 million Americans are estimated to live in the path of totality, with many millions more expected to travel to the 15 states where the event will be visible.
The Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers and pilots that the eclipse Monday could snarl air traffic, especially at airports located in what is known as the path of totality.
The FAA posted what it called "special air traffic procedures" on its website that listed the possible impacts on the industry and what airports could be subject to operational changes.
A group of children look up wearing eclipse glasses to watch a solar eclipse at Grand Tetons National Park in Teton County, Wyoming. (Getty Images)
School districts throughout the U.S. are preparing for the total solar eclipse that will cross the country on Monday.
Several schools in Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Vermont, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have planned alternative school schedules, recognizing that complete darkness can be a safety hazard since it might distract drivers and road commuters.
The total solar eclipse is just two days away and excitement is building in Indianapolis where FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray is ready to go.
A total solar eclipse that will begin over the Pacific and travel over Mexico, the U.S. and Canada on Monday. (NASA)
On Monday, a total solar eclipse will sweep from Texas to Maine, offering millions the chance to see totality. Here’s what you need to know about viewing the eclipse in your state within the path of totality.
• Arkansas
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Missouri
• New York
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Vermont
This will be one of the many reminders you will receive before Monday's total solar eclipse that your eyes need protection to watch the celestial event, but what about the lens of your phone's camera?
Like your eyes, your smartphone lens cannot look directly at the Sun. This puts a damper on the eclipse photos you hope to capture of the big event when the total solar eclipse crosses a slice of America from Texas to Maine. This is where a solar filter for your phone can help.
Lake Erie Speedway in Pennsylvania is joining in on the eclipse fun with their Total Eclipse Festival on Monday.
This event offers live music, entertainment and exciting activities that are sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
General Manager AJ Moore joins FOX Weather to tell us more about it.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has now placed the entire eclipse's path of totality for Texas and Arkansas inside a severe weather risk for Monday.
Much of Texas' path resides inside a level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk, including popular eclipse hunting spots of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Waco, Austin and San Antonio.
A group of skydivers plans to get the most envious and unique view of the total solar eclipse set to take place on April 8th.
Jason Berger, co-owner of Skydive the Falls in western New York, helped organize the event after one of his friends suggested it a few years ago.
"The appeal is just exactly what you think it is," the 35-year-old told FOX Television Stations. "We always take it to the next level in this kind of world."
At 105 years old, LaVerne Biser is a retired engineer and avid eclipse enthusiast.
He has been fortunate enough to witness 12 total solar eclipses in his lifetime, and on Monday, he will add another totality experience to his impressive record.
"You see one, you want to see them all and will do everything you can to see them," Biser said. "They're so beautiful."
From partial eclipse through totality, the process takes several hours. The final moments before totality include displays of light known as Baily's Beads and the Diamond Ring caused by the pock-marked surface of the Moon.
Cloud forecast for Monday afternoon across Maine
Ironically, the spot that climatology said was among the most likely to be cloudy on any given April 8th is still looking sunny for this Monday's eclipse. It's among the sunniest forecasts along the path of totality.
FOX Weather meteorologist Marissa Torres has a look at where clouds could interfere with the visibility of the total solar eclipse.
Types of solar eclipses
Did you know there are four types of solar eclipses: total, partial, hybrid and annular. Read more on how Earth’s only natural satellite plays a role: Eclipse explainer
Austin, Texas weather forecast
A cloudy and foggy morning in Austin, Texas will lead to a rainy afternoon on Monday. Cloudy or not, the start of the partial eclipse will start at 12:17 P.M. CDT with totality beginning around 1:36 P.M.
See the latest weather forecast: Click here
NASA plans to launch three rockets as part of the Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (APEP) mission from its Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Monday. The rockets will be tasked with taking observations of how the sudden drop in sunlight affects the ionosphere.
Eclipse map
Officials in Kerr, Bell and Travis counties in Texas have issued states of emergency due to the swarm of visitors. The counties sit in what is called the path of totality, where the Moon will completely block the Sun for several minutes, leading to temporary darkness.
More than 30 million Americans are estimated to live in the path of totality, but for most of the Lower 48, only a partial eclipse is expected to be visible, leading many to plan excursions to parts of some 15 states.
Read more: Click here
Experts suggest using eclipse glasses that are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international standard if you plan to look directly at the Sun.
Friday travel stats
The Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers and pilots that the total solar eclipse could snarl air traffic, especially at airports located in what is known as the path of totality.
The airports that could be impacted: https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/airport-travel-delays-cancellations
Total solar eclipses are known to reduce daytime heating, which can impact cloud cover and winds. Eclipses experienced in the U.S. during 2017 and 1979 have given experts a sense of what to expect Monday.
Cloud cover forecast for Little Rock, Arkansas area for Monday afternoon.
If Arkansas was your choice to find a spot to watch the eclipse, it's still looking promising you chose a good spot. Cloud forecasts for Monday afternoon are still scattered, though there is a risk for severe weather later in the day as you get closer to Texas.
The path of totality will sweep across almost the entire northern half of the state, starting just north of Cincinnati and covering large cities such as Dayton, Toledo, Akron, Mansfield and Cleveland before the shadow heads off into Ontario and western New York, just clipping the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania.
Cloud forecast for Monday afternoon in western New York
The latest cloud cover forecast for Monday's solar eclipse time in western New York is still iffy. While there are no major storms expected in the vicinity, there may be some clouds around. However, it doesn't look like skies will be overcast so there is still a decent chance you'll be able to see the show.
A group of skydivers plans to get the most envious and unique view of the total solar eclipse set to take place on April 8th.
Cloud forecast for Monday afternoon during the peak of the solar eclipse
The latest forecasts are trending in the sunnier direction for those who are eager to watch the eclipse from Indianapolis. Some 40,000 people are expected to be at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway Monday afternoon to watch the eclipse amid a big event there.
You need to wear protective eyewear during an eclipse, but there's no need to worry about getting any for your pet. While it may make for a cute photo, they don't require it if they'll be outside with you.
Dr. Jerry Klein, the chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club has more tips on how to safely enjoy the eclipse with pets:
While you can wear welding goggles or a welding helmet to watch the solar eclipse, most welding equipment found in hardware stores is not dark enough. To safely look at the Sun, a welding helmet needs to be Shade 12 or higher.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has maintained a severe weather risk on Monday in parts of northeastern Texas, including Dallas, where millions hope to see the total solar eclipse that afternoon.
File photo by John Iacono /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
The New York Yankees have pushed back the start of their game against the Miami Marlins on Monday from 2:05 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. due to the eclipse.
While New York City isn't quite in the path of totality, the Moon will block about 90% of the Sun around 3:20 p.m. ET. Gates will open at 3 p.m. and the first 15,000 will not only get to experience the eclipse inside Yankee Stadium but they will get a free Yankees Solar Eclipse T-Shirt.
The Yankees aren't the only MLB team who adjusted their schedule due to the eclipse. The Cleveland Guardians set their home opener Monday back to 5:10 p.m. ET Monday with Cleveland square in the path of totality. Gates there will open at 2 p.m. with fans getting to see the total eclipse starting at 3:13 p.m.
The iconic Niagara Falls draws crowds year round but with the popular tourist spot squarely inside the solar eclipse path of totality, over 1 million people are expected to visit Niagara Falls for the big event.
Our extensive live tracker map room has detailed cloud and weather forecasts for several cities that will be in the path of totality on Monday afternoon.
There might be a swath of Texas that sees what's called the rare double diamond effect during the total solar eclipse on April 8. It happens just before totality.
Forecast cloud cover for the Northeast around 3 p.m ET on Monday
Forecasts are still trending toward mostly sunny for much of the Northeast for Monday though a few extra clouds may be roaming around western New York. But overall, optimal conditions for viewing the eclipse!
The temporary darkness of a solar eclipse only lasts a few minutes, but its impact on temperatures, winds and even cloud cover can last much longer.
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