Partly clear skies forecasted for the solar eclipse in these Ontario communities

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Published April 3, 2024 at 11:37 am

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The solar eclipse is just days away and those hoping to get a clear view of the celestial event may want to check the weather forecast.

The solar eclipse, when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, happens on Monday, April 8, starting just after 2 p.m. and ending around 4:40 p.m. in Ontario.

Much of the focus has been on Niagara Falls, with the city expecting so many visitors, that they have declared a state of emergency. Some hotels were charging up to $10,000 a night for the event.

But the path of totality or places that will experience a total solar eclipse, also includes Burlington, Hamilton, parts of Oakville, and areas to the east such as Kingston, Cobourg, Belleville and Prince Edward County.

Smaller communities such as Grimsby, Pelee Island, Port Colborne, St. Thomas and other communities in southwestern Ontario are in the path of totality.

Toronto and Mississauga will see a partial solar eclipse.

2024 solar eclipse path and times

A map shows the path of totality for the solar eclipse on April 8.

As of today (April 3), the weather forecast for many communities is calling for cloudy or partly cloudy skies.

The forecast for Niagara Falls, St. Catherines, Burlington and Hamilton is cloudy and a high of around 11 C, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Some communities in southwestern Ontario such as St. Thomas and Port Colborne also have a cloudy day with rain in the forecast.

Areas in the eastern part of the province such as Kingston, Belleville and Cobourg and have a mix of sun and cloud with highs near 13 C in the forecast.

However, weather forecasts change frequently and it is too soon to say for certain what the weather will be like on April 8.

Another way to determine the best spots could be a look back at weather patterns.

Environment and Climate Change Canada posted an April Sky Condition Climatology chart looking at historic cloudy weather from 1991 to 2020. In this chart, Kingston looks like the best bet for clear skies.

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