Will clouds eclipse chances to see the eclipse? It’s pretty likely

By Roman Battaglia (JPR)
Oct. 11, 2023 1 p.m.

The possibility of clouds throughout the region Saturday morning could put a damper on eclipse plans.

FILE - This May 21, 2012 file photo shows an annular solar eclipse appears in the sky over Yokohama near Tokyo. Solar eclipses typically attract tourists who travel around the world to remote places to witness the celestial phenomenon. Australia is expecting 50,000 visitors for a Nov. 14 solar eclipse that will be visible from the Cairns-Port Douglas area in Queensland.

FILE - This May 21, 2012 file photo shows an annular solar eclipse appears in the sky over Yokohama near Tokyo. Solar eclipses typically attract tourists who travel around the world to remote places to witness the celestial phenomenon. Australia is expecting 50,000 visitors for a Nov. 14 solar eclipse that will be visible from the Cairns-Port Douglas area in Queensland.

Koji Sasahara / AP

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Communities between Albany and Klamath Falls will be in the direct line of the annular solar eclipse on Saturday.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Tim Daldrup in Medford said a weather system moving across the state in the morning will bring clouds, but they’re hoping for the right kind of clouds.

“If we wanna see it we’ll want the higher level clouds,” Daldrup said. “Those tend to be the more feathery cirrus clouds that can still be seen through. They might obstruct the eclipse but you can still see it.”

The cloud cover could also be lighter east of the Cascades, in places like Klamath Falls. On the west side, the chance of thicker, lower level clouds is greater.

“It does look pretty certain that there will be cloud cover,” said Daldrup. “But we’re keeping an eye on any possibility for little breaks in it or any lesser cloud cover where the eclipse can still be viewed.”

Daldrup said people looking to see the eclipse should check the forecast on Thursday or Friday, when they’ll have a more accurate picture of exactly where clouds are expected.

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