What To Do If Your City Is Cloudy During The Total Solar Eclipse

By Kahlil Worrell

Today, cities such as Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Dallas will witness an influx of spectators eager to witness the rare phenomenon of a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely obscures the sun for a brief period.

TOPSHOT-BRITAIN-SCIENCE-ASTRONOMY-ECLIPSE — (Photo: AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS/ Getty Images)

There's a potential complication that may dampen the experience for eclipse enthusiasts: cloudy skies. Cloud cover has the tendency to diminish the impact of total eclipses, potentially robbing viewers of the awe-inspiring spectacle that won't grace the skies of the U.S. for another two decades.

However, don't lose hope entirely if your chosen viewing location for the eclipse is forecasted to have cloudy weather.

Here's what to expect if the eclipse coincides with a cloudy day and strategies to optimize your viewing experience.

Solar Eclipse Visible Across Swath Of U.S. — (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

"If you are under the clouds, it's still going to get dark," said seasoned solar eclipse enthusiast and expert Patricia Reiff. With a wealth of experience, Reiff, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, has witnessed a remarkable 20 eclipses throughout her career.

"Being 'clouded out' from viewing a planned eclipse has happened to me three times," Reiff shared. While the eclipse's effects may be subdued in cloudy conditions, "you can still experience the eclipse with your skin because it will be cooler and the winds are going to change."

"You might experience it with your eyes because the dogs and other animals are lying down and acting as though it's the evening," she exclaimed.