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United States Weather Map

The United States Weather Map below shows the weather forecast for the next 12 days. Control the animation using the slide bar found beneath the weather map. Select from the other forecast maps (on the right) to view the temperature, cloud cover, wind and precipitation for this country on a large scale with animation. You can also get the latest temperature, weather and wind observations from actual weather stations under the live weather section.

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Arrive Safely to your destination every time with the best road trip weather planner app

"A very effective travel tool. Very helpful in navigating our film crews around the United States and making route changes based on weather conditions nationwide!"

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The Best Road Trip Weather Planner App The Best Road Trip Weather Planner App

Get the weather forecast for your entire road trip.

View forecasts on the map to see if there's snow in that high mountain pass, or flash flooding across that lonely desert, all at the same time.

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Every forecast is adjusted to show the road weather precisely when you'll be driving through each location.

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View livehighway camera images for locations along your trip to see live weather conditions for yourself.

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Drag along the time slider to change your departure time and instantly see how the weather forecasts change at different times of day. Perfect for road trips with flexible schedules.

Have You Wondered About Finding the Best Time to Leave? Have You Wondered About Finding the Best Time to Leave?

Not sure what time to leave? The departure assistant will suggest an ideal time to start your trip. We'll find the ideal weather forecast to ensure a safe trip.

22% of all driving accidents are related to weather

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Our reports for traveling weather driving conditions will always keep you on course.

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76% of weather-related fatalities involve wet pavement

What do we provide that sets our highway weather reports apart from our competitors what do we provide that sets our highway weather reports apart from our competitors, stay safe, informed, and on schedule stay safe, informed, and on schedule.

Highway Weather keeps you abreast of ...

- Moment-to-moment weather changes.

- The best time to hit the road.

- Every piece of relevant weather info at every stage of your trip!

Our technology streamlines your travel logistics by displaying real-time weather updates right alongside your trip route. It’s never been easier to plan your routes, maximize efficiency, and dodge the highway delays that come from sudden inclement weather.

We even customize the weather forecast for your needs. For example, if you're looking for trucking weather forecasts, we'll tailor the results to specially suit your vehicle, such as highlighting wind speed in our results.

Compare Routes and Find the Best Time to Drive Compare Routes and Find the Best Time to Drive

A good travel weather app recognizes that you’re looking to avoid hailstorms and flood warnings. A great app knows you’re also considering where you’ll spend the night, stop for lunch, drop off a shipment, or encounter the least amount of traffic. Highway Weather gives you the ability to add stops along the way and receive departure time recommendations that take into account the forecasts for the days ahead.

Our app allows users to observe and compare multiple route options, compare forecasts, and ensure that your trip itinerary meets all the needs for your road trips.

If you're planning your trip in advance or have a flexible departure time, use our interactive slider to adjust your departure time. Weather forecasts will update in real-time as you adjust the slider, giving you immediate feedback about weather conditions at different times in order to find the best conditions for travel.

Leverage a top-caliber weather app for travel planning that optimizes your trip and gives you as many clear sky days as possible!

Make Real-Time Adjustments Using Live Forecasts Make Real-Time Adjustments Using Live Forecasts

Highway Weather is the best weather app for traveling. Our interactive features provide ongoing updates for road weather information based on your specified arrival and departure times. You'll know when to stay on the road, when to get off the road, which road to take — and where to steer clear of debilitatingly bad weather. As you proceed, our app uses traffic cameras, forecast data, and weather radar to alert you to temperature, visibility, precipitation, wind speed, and many other relevant details.

Get to Your Destination — and Arrive Safely! Get to Your Destination — and Arrive Safely!

Highway Weather streamlines your travel plans by showing you all options for the best and most efficient routes. You will know exactly when and where you can expect to encounter weather that might pose a danger or inconvenience to your trip. We want to see you make it to your destination and return home with swiftness, comfort, and ease.

Since 2013, Highway Weather has continually developed and improved our features and design. With more than 100k global users, we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the best travel weather apps available — complete with reliable, friendly customer support to answer and address any questions or concerns.

We provide free forecasts in addition to subscription features that proactively notify you of bad weather while you’re on the road driving. The app is even a preferred weather app for secured government devices who choose Highway Weather for its advanced privacy and security features.

Install Highway Weather now — and prepare to get back on the road!

What Do We Provide That Sets Our Highway Weather Reports Apart From Our From Competitors? What Do We Provide That Sets Our Highway Weather Reports Apart From Our From Competitors?

Arrive safely with our travel weather forecast arrive safely with our travel weather forecast.

Our technology streamlines your travel logistics by displaying real-time weather updates right inside your drive. It’s never been easier to plan your routes, maximize efficiency, and dodge the highway delays that come from sudden inclement weather.

Leverage the best weather app for travel planning that optimizes your trip and gives you as many clear-sky days as possible! And be on the lookout for severe weather alerts that are especially dangerous.

Highway Weather is the best weather app for traveling. Our interactive features provide ongoing updates for road weather information based on your specified arrival and departure times. You'll know when to stay on the road, when to get off the road, which road to take — and where to steer clear of debilitatingly bad weather. As you proceed, our app uses traffic cameras, forecast data, and weather radar to alert you to temperature, visibility, precipitation, wind speed, and other relevant details.

Highway Weather has existed since 2013, continually developing and iterating our features and design. With more than 100k global users, we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the top apps of our kind — complete with reliable customer support to answer and address any questions or concerns.

Ready to Arrive Safely on Your Drive? Ready to Arrive Safely on Your Drive?

Download Highway Weather for free on Google Play or the App Store.

We Began Just Like You We Began Just Like You

Highway Weather was born of necessity.

It began in late 2012 with a simple problem: The app founder, Devan Stormont, was trying to visit family for the winter holidays. The drive was about 7 hours through "middle-of-nowhere" rural country with limited road and cell services. A series of rolling snowstorms were moving in a way that it wasn't clear whether the trip could be made without getting trapped in a storm. Existing apps and websites were not helpful in resolving the problem.

For the sake of safety, the trip was cancelled. Out of frustration, the first version of Highway Weather was created over the following weeks (and originally called Weather Route ).

At first, it was a hobby/personal app used to solve a personal problem and updates were made to fix personal annoyances. Over time, it became popularly adopted by many travelers and commercial users.

Since 2013, it's been our mission to ensure everyone can arrive at their destination safely.

Today, we do that by providing you the best road trip weather planner app on the market.

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Severe Weather Across the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley; Critical Fire Weather Over Eastern New Mexico and Southwestern Texas

Severe thunderstorms are expected across the Southern Plains into the Lower Mississippi Valley through Tuesday. The main threats are damaging winds and large hail as well as a few tornadoes. Heavy to excessive rainfall may lead to flash, urban, small stream and minor to moderate river flooding. Critical fire weather conditions will persist over the Southern Plains on Monday. Read More >

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The colors on the map can be customized to highlight hazards specific to your needs. The amounts below are the max forecasted values over a 6 hourly period.

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What are the color overrides?

How are the road segment forecasts made?

How does the point to point forecast work?

The color overrides allow a user to customize the color scheme of the forecast. For example: If you are traveling in a high profile vehicle, you are susceptible to strong winds. If wind speeds over 30 mph strongly affect you, you may want to change the wind criteria to display red at 30mph.

The "Weather" color overrides are as follows: Blowing Dust/Sand/Snow, Freezing Rain, Fog/Smoke Dense Fog/Smoke

The "NWS Watches & Warnings" color overrides are as follows: Wind, Wind Chill, & Winter Advisories Blowing Dust/Sand/Snow Advisory, Dense Fog/Smoke Advisory, Freezing Rain Advisory, Winter & Ice Warnings Blizzard & High Wind Warnings

The magenta color cannot be customized, and is only used with Blizzard and High Wind Warnings. This color can be turned off by deselecting the "NWS Watches & Warnings" criteria override.

The forecasts are derived from the National Weather Service Digial Forecast Database (NDFD). A road segment is first applied a 2.5km buffer, and is then overlayed on top of the NDFD's gridded forecast. The road segment's forecast is then created by finding the "worst forecasted weather" in that buffer. In this way, the forecast is not always applicable to the entire road segment, but instead will display the the most inclement weather you're likely to experience on part of that road.

The point to point forecast will allow a user to focus on a forecast for a particular route. This can be helpful when traveling long distances over a long time period. The point to point forecast is still in 6 hour periods, and will only display the currently selected time period for the estimated time that you will be traveling during that section. Sections of road that fall outside of that estimate will be grayed out.

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MyFlight Forecast™ gives you, the passenger, and access to Flying Weather Forecast data that pilots will review prior to every flight. While a pilot will review much more data, data that they've spent years learning to interpret, this site breaks down the most relevant data for the passenger to determine flight conditions, potential flight and airport delays, and most importantly, flight turbulence forecast.

Reference Weather Radar to determine the location of precipitation (Snow, Rain) and where it is located relative to your flight path. Pilot Tip - Just because you see areas of precipitation, does not mean that you will necesarily be flying through it! You might be miles above it!

Reference the Satellite page to locate clouds, or areas of decreased visibility. While clouds can generally increase the likelihood of turbulence while flying through them, keep in mind, clouds are just moisture, or water. Water is generally not that scary. Not all clouds that appear on the satellite imagery can guarantee areas of turbulence, it greatly depends on the stability of the atmosphere.

Get your Flying Weather Forecast before and during your flight - receive real time turbulence reports and discover where turbulence has been reported by aircraft currently in-flight

Type in the three letter identifier (ex. JFK, LAX, ORD) of the airports that you are travelling to and from, and get real time information on any potential airport delays due to; Wind, Visibility, Weather or delays due to volume.

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Weather On The Way

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Weather on the Way is a new travel weather app that provides a detailed weather forecast for your driving route. Thanks to combining forecasting and navigation, you get weather conditions precisely at a time you will be driving through .

Perfect for road trips

Check the radar ahead.

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Storm Brings Heavy, Wet Snow and Strong Winds to New England

The storm system disrupted travel across much of the region and left more than 500,000 utility customers without power on Thursday.

By Derrick Bryson Taylor ,  Johnny Diaz and Aimee Ortiz

A storm system brought significant springtime snowfall to northern New England as rain lashed much of the coast, delivering high winds and leaving close to half a million customers without power as of Thursday night.

Here are the main things to know on Thursday.

About 1.5 million people, including in areas throughout the Northeast, were under a winter storm warning on Thursday night, the National Weather Service said.

Two people had died in circumstances that were possibly connected to the weather, the authorities said. The storm was creating hazardous travel conditions in parts of the region.

Snowfall accumulation of one to two feet was expected for much of northern New England and the northeast Adirondacks through Thursday. The snowfall rate was expected to decrease on Friday, the Weather Service said.

Cities inland may get between six and 20 inches of snow, but coastal areas were expected to be warm enough for heavy sleet and rain instead.

Strong winds may also lead to power outages and coastal flooding for portions of the northern Mid-Atlantic States and the southern New England coast.

The effects of the storm are expected to linger into Friday.

Look Up How Much Snow You Might Get

How much snow to expect.

In the New York City area, forecasters said that rainfall amounts generally ranged from two to three inches from Tuesday to Thursday morning, the Weather Service said.

A person died in Westchester County, N.Y., after a tree fell on their car while they were driving north on Route 128 on Wednesday evening, the North Castle Police Department said in a news release issued Thursday.

In New Hampshire, one person died following an explosion and fire at a home in Derry on Thursday morning, fire officials said in a news release . Another resident of the home was taken the hospital, the authorities said.

CBS reported that the person killed was a grandmother and that her 11-year-old granddaughter was injured when the house exploded.

Shawn Haggart, the fire chief in Derry, said in an emailed statement on Thursday night that “various other events took place in the vicinity such as falling trees caused by heavy snow and wind.”

And he added: “As of now, the investigation by the N.H. Fire Marshal’s Office remains ongoing and has not reached a conclusion.”

It will be soggier farther north, including around Buffalo. Steady rain totaling between 1.5 and 2.5 inches could cause flooding in western New York through Thursday afternoon, with flooding possible in urban areas and along rivers and creeks, meteorologists said.

A winter storm warning was in effect until Friday morning for portions of east central and eastern New York and southern Vermont, according to the Weather Service . Heavy snow, with accumulation of four to 10 inches, had been predicted for those areas. In Vermont, a band of heavy snow was expected to produce accumulation of up to an inch per hour on Thursday, before tapering off starting in the evening, the Weather Service said.

“For us, the hazards are really two-pronged,” Rodney Chai, the lead meteorologist with the Weather Service in Burlington, Vt., said on Wednesday. In addition to the heavy snowfall on Thursday, “the other hazard would be the strong to damaging winds along the spine of the Green Mountains,” he said.

David Roth, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Md., said that the storm was expected to linger in the region.

“Most of the time, nor’easters just move steadily up the coast,” he said. “This one stalling for a couple days is not great because it also brings with it the threat of coastal flooding.”

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority canceled ferry service in the Boston area on Thursday morning because of high winds but said that operations resumed by midday. The Massachusetts State Police said it responded to several crashes on Wednesday evening because of poor road conditions.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the Weather Service said. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

In New Hampshire, for instance, state troopers had responded to three tractor-trailer rollover crashes in less than seven hours by late Wednesday.

Air travel was also disrupted. More than 400 flights within, to or from the United States were canceled on Thursday afternoon, according to FlightAware . More than 1,300 flights were delayed.

The stormy weather knocked out power across swaths of New England and parts of other regions. As of Thursday night, more than 310,000 customers in Maine were without power, as were more than 122,000 in New Hampshire, more than 26,000 in Wisconsin, more than 21,000 in West Virginia and more than 15,000 in New York, according poweroutage.us , which aggregates data from utilities across the country.

Share of customers without power

Snow accumulations will depend on elevation. Up to seven inches could fall in valley areas in the region, Mr. Chai, of the Weather Service office in Burlington, said. Six to 15 inches of snow was expected above 1,000-foot elevations, and as much as two feet of snow were possible by Friday morning in some areas.

The Weather Service office in Gray, Maine, issued similar heavy snow warnings with winds in excess of 45 m.p.h. in some beach communities on Thursday. Fifteen inches of snow had fallen in Maine by Thursday afternoon, the office said. Because of the heavy snow and high winds, Gov. Janet Mills of Maine ordered all state offices closed on Thursday.

The heaviest snow was forecast to fall on Thursday evening, but the system was expected to linger over eastern coastal Maine for a few days, the Weather Service said.

While some New England residents may be caught off guard by the nor’easter, just days after the Easter holiday and during spring break for many school districts, Mr. Chai said snow in April was not uncommon.

“It may come as a little bit of a shock to people because we have had a stretch of nice springlike weather and this winter has been anomalously mild,” he said. “People might have gotten a little too comfortable.”

Orlando Mayorquín contributed reporting.

Derrick Bryson Taylor covers breaking and trending news and is based in London. More about Derrick Bryson Taylor

Johnny Diaz is a general assignment reporter covering breaking news. He previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Boston Globe. More about Johnny Diaz

Aimee Ortiz covers breaking news and other topics. More about Aimee Ortiz

Explore Our Weather Coverage

Extreme Weather Maps: Track the possibility of extreme weather in the places that are important to you .

Blizzard or Nor’easter?: What’s the difference between these storms? How do you stay safe in either? Here’s what to know .

Tornado Alerts: A tornado warning demands instant action. Here’s what to do if one comes your way .

On the Road:  Safety experts shared some advice  on how snow-stranded drivers caught in a snowstorm can keep warm and collected. Their top tip? Be prepared.

Climate Change: What’s causing global warming? How can we fix it? Our F.A.Q. tackles your climate questions big and small .

Evacuating Pets: When disaster strikes, household pets’ lives are among the most vulnerable. You can avoid the worst by planning ahead .

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News & features, winter center, total solar eclipse cloud forecast: what will the weather be like.

Clouds aren't the only concern for eclipse viewers. Severe weather could present problems for thousands traveling to or from viewing destinations.

Published Apr 1, 2024 9:23 AM PDT | Updated Apr 7, 2024 12:32 PM PDT

What will make this year’s eclipse different from the one in 2017? When will the next one be in the U.S.? We’re answering those questions and much more.

The final countdown is underway until the moon's shadow casts part of the United States into darkness for a few fleeting moments, and the deciding factor of whether or not people in the path of totality see the event may boil down to one thing: clouds.

The eclipse takes place on Monday, April 8, and for areas in the path of totality, it will be an afternoon affair, with the exact timing varying depending on your location. People outside of the path of totality will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse as long as clouds don't spoil the show.

AccuWeather's latest total solar eclipse cloud forecast is looking promising for some but concerning for others, AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said. Most places in the vicinity of the path of totality will have to deal with some level of clouds, whether high or low.

Where will the best weather be for viewing the eclipse?

Clouds can break for some sunshine, just in time for the afternoon viewing from Chicago to Cleveland, Pastelok said. A narrow region of good viewing is now opening up for cities like Kansas City, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

"Two areas near the path that are improving are the western Ohio Valley and the lower Great Lakes," Accuweather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, adding, 'The best locations for viewing can be the Southwest deserts, much of California, New England and parts of the Southeast," Major cities like Los Angeles, El Paso, New York City, Boston and Raleigh should all have nice views of the eclipse from start to finish.

What areas face a cloudy forecast for Monday?

Places along or near the path of totality that will have more adverse viewing conditions appear to be from Missouri and Kansas southward into central and east Texas, where it is likely to be rather cloudy with showers and perhaps some thunderstorms.

"Other areas with poor viewing conditions will be from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington and Oregon," AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Joe Lundberg explained.

There is also a concern that a band of clouds will move across western/central Pennsylvania and New York around the time of the eclipse, Pastelok said. "There is even a possibility of a passing shower. This could lower viewing opportunity for a couple of hours."

Severe weather threat to eclipse viewers

In addition to the cloud forecast, there are a few factors involved in the weather pattern leading up to the eclipse that could affect those traveling to and from viewing locations. High southerly winds are likely across the central and western Plains Friday through Sunday with wind gusts between 40-60 mph. Make sure any loose material, including tents and items packed on top of cars and campers, is securely fastened.

"People traveling to the path of totality from the Front Range of the Rockies to the central Plains can experience crosswinds that will make driving difficult along interstates 40, 70, 80 and 90," Buckingham said.

There will be showers and thunderstorms moving across the central and lower Mississippi River valley on Sunday. A few storms can be strong to severe and produce hail, strong wind gusts, an isolated tornado and frequent lightning.

AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations, Dan DePodwin is urging eclipse travelers to be aware of their surroundings. “With so many people traveling to unfamiliar areas and camping or staying in an RV, it’s important to take a few minutes to locate your nearest storm shelter. It may be a sturdy restroom building, campground office, a nearby public storm shelter, or even a 24-hour retail store,” he said.

Those camping along the path of totality are urged to be prepared. Large hail can bring damage to vehicles, bring down tents, and cause injuries. “Be careful where you park your vehicle and where you set up your tent or camper. You do not want to be near large trees if a severe storm with gusty winds approaches," DePodwin warned.

Showers and drenching thunderstorms can occur across east Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley on Monday and slowly move northward into southern Oklahoma later in the day and night. Strong winds, dangerous lightning strikes, hail and perhaps a few tornadoes could threaten those traveling back home from eclipse viewing the night of April 8 and during the day April 9. Areas along and north of Interstate 10 in Texas may have to deal with severe thunderstorms during this period.

Downpours are expected along the I-10 corridor from southeastern Texas to southern Mississippi which can heighten the risk of flooding and slow travel. Flooding downpours can impact areas farther north and east on April 9, including interstates 20 and 40 across northeastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Extending out through midweek, the risk for heavy rain and flooding is expected to continue to expand northeastward into the Ohio Valley and surrounding areas.

Continue to check back with AccuWeather.com daily through April 8 for the latest eclipse cloud forecast.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred.

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Totality stretches from Texas to Maine

Simple tips to safely photograph the eclipse with your cellphone.

Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

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If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

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The total solar eclipse is Monday: Where will clouds, rain ruin the sky spectacle?

We're almost there.

In just two days, for just the  second time in seven years , day will suddenly become night for a few brief, wondrous minutes as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along  a southwest-to-northeast path across the continent .

Meteorologists continue to refine their forecasts for the total solar eclipse , and now have a pretty good idea of where the spectacle will be most (and least) visible.

Here's the latest forecast:

Where will the solar eclipse be visible?

Federal forecasters said Saturday afternoon that the best chances for clear viewing of the total eclipse are in northern New England. There is also a possibility of clear viewing from northern Arkansas to central Indiana, the National Weather Service said, "but this is the area of greatest uncertainty due to potential high clouds."

"Clouds can break for some sunshine, just in time for the afternoon viewing from Chicago to Cleveland. A narrow region of good viewing is expected to open up for cities like Kansas City, Indianapolis, and St. Louis," AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said.

The weather service also warned of possible (20% to 30% chance) rain showers during totality in Texas, Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York.

Outside the path of totality, which stretches from Texas to Maine, "the best locations for viewing should be across the Southwest, out of the mountains," Pastelok said. Other good spots include "California, again, out of the mountains, New England, and parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast."

"Cities like Los Angeles, El Paso, New York City, Boston and Raleigh should all have nice views of the eclipse from start to finish," he added.

Where will it be cloudy?

Unfortunately for folks in the path of totality, clouds may impede viewing "from Texas into southern Arkansas, and across Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and New York," the weather service said.

Elsewhere, for the partial eclipse, AccuWeather long-range expert Joe Lundberg added that "other areas with poor viewing conditions will be from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington and Oregon."

What time is the solar eclipse? 

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.  You can search by zip code  to find the exact time for your location. 

What is the path of totality?

The  path of totality  is the area where people on Earth can see  the moon completely cover the sun  as the moon's shadow falls upon them. Space.com describes it as "the cone-shaped inner (umbral) shadow of the moon projected onto the Earth's surface."

To view all of the stages of a total solar eclipse, you must watch it from somewhere along that path of totality, NASA said. Viewers outside this narrow, roughly 115-mile wide path will only see a partial eclipse of the sun.

You probably don't have to worry about your dogs and cats during the eclipse

Don't worry, your dog and/or cat will likely be oblivious to the eclipse, according to Pasco , a science education company.

"It is unlikely that dogs and cats will react to solar eclipses, as they typically do not have a strong biological or behavioral response to changes in light or natural phenomena like eclipses," Pasco reports.

Just in case, Pasco recommends you keep your pets inside during the eclipse and distract them with toys or treats. Same thing works for people if necessary.

Eclipse boosts travel as Americans chase rare celestial event

The upcoming eclipse is proving to be a good omen for travel firms, as some parts of the United States that fall in the "path of totality" see unprecedented demand for lodging from eager Americans waiting to catch a glimpse of the celestial event.

Airbnb listings along the U.S. path of totality, or the narrow strip stretching from Texas to Maine from where people will be able to view the sun's corona, have seen occupancy levels skyrocket to nearly 90%, the vacation rental firm said.

Occupancy for all active rental listings across the path in the United States, Canada and Mexico was at 92.4% for the night of April 7, up sharply from about 30% a few days prior, according to travel data firm AirDNA.

"It is a nice bump in demand in a relatively slow period of the year. Typically April isn't a high point for short-term rental demand," said Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA.

Beware of potential storms during eclipse travel

Sunday and early Monday, severe thunderstorms bringing hail, strong wind and possibly a tornado could disrupt travel from the western Plains to the Midwest, Pastelok of AccuWeather said. Travel could also be impacted due to visibility with winds kicking up dust and creating a fire risk.

Meanwhile, people driving from the Rockies to the path of totality could face slick roads and wintry conditions, according to AccuWeather.

After the eclipse on Monday evening and Tuesday, federal forecasters warn of a high chance of thunderstorms in parts of the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley. Flash flooding is also possible, "which could lead to hazardous travel after the eclipse," the weather service said.

Contributing: Reuters

The total solar eclipse is today: Get the latest forecast and everything you need to know

Happy Solar Eclipse Day! The first total solar eclipse in the United States since 2017 is happening today, April 8, 2024 and it’s expected to be bigger and better than the one the one that happened seven years ago.  

Th e 115-mile wide path of totality will stretch across 13 U.S. states, with approximately 31 million Americans living in the path of totality. Though, plenty more people are expected to travel to see the spectacle.  

Massachusetts is just outside the path of totality, with a magnitude of about 93%. That means that Bay State residents won’t get the full effect, but it will get significantly darker as the vast majority of the sun is blocked by the moon.  

Here’s what to know. We’ll be updating this blog throughout the day.  

What time is the eclipse in Massachusetts? 

In Massachusetts, the solar eclipse will start at about 2:15 p.m. and peak at about 3:30 p.m., give or take a couple of minutes depending on your exact location in the state. By 4:30 p.m., it will be over and the sun will be shining unobstructed once again.  

To narrow it down to your ZIP code, use the embed below: 

What is the forecast for the eclipse in Massachusetts? Will clouds block the eclipse? 

The eclipse forecast has been a major talking point leading up to the event, as no one wants clouds to block their view.  

Accuweather is currently predicting mostly sunny skies over Massachusetts during the eclipse, with just a few clouds. The National Weather Service is predicting that New England will have some of the best viewing.

See satellite imagery of the could cover at this link.  

How much of the sun will be blocked by the solar eclipse in Massachusetts? 

In Massachusetts, about 93% of the sun will be blocked by the solar eclipse at its peak.  

"While the entirety of New England will experience the solar eclipse on April 8 , if you want to see the "totality" of the total solar eclipse , you need to be within the path," Tim Brothers, technical instructor and observatory manager at the  MIT Wallace Astrophysical Observatory told Wicked Local in March. "Fortunately, this path covers much of northern and western New England, including New York, although it does not pass over Massachusetts."

For those willing to drive north, parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine will all be in the path of totality. Here's when cities in the path of the eclipse will experience totality.

• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Where can I get solar eclipse glasses? 

It’s too late to order glasses, but according to the American Astronomical Society the following retailed are selling eclipse glass, and Warby Parker is even giving them away for free.  

• Warby Parker  (available in stores [for free!] starting April 1st; while supplies last, limit 2 per person) 
• Cracker Barrel  

Alternatively, many public institutions such as libraries are giving away free glasses.  

How do I know solar eclipse glasses are safe?

If you buy or are  given  eclipse glasses, be sure they are made by companies the  American Astronomical Society  has  certified as safe .

NASA  does not certify glasses , so be wary of any manufacturers claiming that to have the space agency's approval.

Eclipse glasses  should all have the "ISO" (International Organization for Standardization) icon. The glasses also must have the  ISO reference number 12312-2 .

If  you cannot  find  certified glasses , there are other ways to view the eclipse, including with a shadow box you can make yourself. Whatever you do, don't look at the sun without proper protection.

How to make solar eclipse glasses?

Didn't get your hands on a pair of glasses and don't have time to run to the store? Don't worry! You can still make something at home.

NASA recommends creating a cereal box viewer, using cereal box, cardboard, foil, paper, scissors and tape or glue. Here are the steps:

Steps to make the cereal box eclipse viewer:

• Get an empty, clean cereal box.
• Cut a white piece of cardboard that will fit snuggly in the bottom of the box, or secure it permanently by gluing it in place.
• Cut the top of the cereal box, removing both ends and leaving the center intact.
• Put a piece of tape across the center of the top to securely hold it closed.
• Tape a piece of heavy-duty foil or double a single layer for additional strength, covering one of the openings at the top of the cereal box. The other opening will remain open for viewing.
• Using a small nail (approximately 3mm in diameter) push a hole in the foil.
• Cover the entire box with construction paper, leaving the single-viewing opening and the foil uncovered.

Once it is done, to use it you point the pinhole at the sun and then with your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun should be reflected on the white paper in the box.

More ways to make eclipse glasses: Forgot to get solar eclipse glasses? Here's how to DIY a viewer with household items.

Can you drive during a solar eclipse? 

It's  safe to drive during an eclipse  as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road during the total solar eclipse. 

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the eclipse to find a safe place to park and wear your eclipse glasses. 

Authorities also are reminding people to  not drive while wearing solar eclipse glasses . Eclipse glasses are designed specifically for an eclipse, and you would not be able to see the road well enough while wearing them.

What is a solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when three celestial spheres — the sun, moon and Earth — line up in a specific way in space.

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon's orbit aligns with Earth, and it passes between the sun and Earth. That casts a moving shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun's light in some areas. This leads to a period of partial or full darkness on a narrow stretch of Earth. 

A solar eclipse happens during a  new moon , EarthSky said. A lunar eclipse, however, happens during a  full moon , when the Earth, sun and moon align in space. 

When is the next solar eclipse?

For North America,  the next total solar eclipse  won't be until Aug. 23, 2044,  according to NASA .

Unfortunately, the 2044 total solar eclipse won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse, and it won't be coming anywhere near Massachusetts. That eclipse will be visible in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Make your travel plans accordingly.

There's another solar eclipse in 2045 that will cut through a larger swath of the U.S., but once again won't come through New England. That eclipse, expected to occur on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

How fast does an eclipse shadow travel?

According to a post from the  National Weather Service  in Indianapolis on X, an eclipse shadow travels at speeds from 1,100 to 5,000 mph. Near the equator, it travels at around 1,100 mph and increases in speed as it approaches the poles.

What is the effect of the eclipse on pets?

When it comes to pets and today's eclipse, experts say it's better to leave your pets home , rather than have them travel and observe the phenomenon.

Experts' biggest concern is not what’s happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and anxious people gather, said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association told USA Today.

“Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people ,” she said.

In a recent statement to Wicked Local , regarding sheer volume of people going to witness the eclipse, AAA stated, " AAA car rental partner Hertz reports a 3,000% increase over last year in advance bookings for eclipse path cities."

USA Today said Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club , noted "dogs that are sensitive, that have anxiety or are strongly affected by storms are likely to pick up on the emotions of people gathering to watch the eclipse."

Klein added that if you are taking a pet to the eclipse, make sure you are watching them closely.

“Make sure they have plenty of fresh water, that they’re not overly crowded, that they’re kept on a leash and that they have a way to be recognized if they bolt off and get lost,” he told USA Today.

Veteranarians have said that cats are not typically affected by eclipses.

Places to watch the eclipse

If you're looking to watch the eclipse with a group of people, we have a few recommendations for spots in Massachusetts you can go.

One spot is a selection of 8 state parks where the Department of Conservation and Recreation is holding events. At the state parks they will be offering free solar eclipse glasses while supplies last, as well as other activities. There events are from 2:20 to 4:20 p.m.

The VisitMA website states, "The Department of Conservation and Recreation is marking the occasion with free educational programs and guided viewing sessions at  8 state parks : Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Blue Hills Reservation in Milton , Borderland State Park in North Easton, Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in East Falmouth, Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, and Mt. Greylock State Reservation in Lanesborough."

Also, The Massachusetts Department of Education noted that "The EcoTarium in Worcester will host an eclipse viewing event in their Sun Dial Plaza and will allow free admission on the day of the eclipse."

How does the weather look for the rest of April 8?

According to the National Weather Service in Norton, "High pressure brings dry conditions and mostly sunny skies today."

This blog will be updated throughout the day. Keep checking back for more. USA Today reporters have contributed to this report.

Will Iowa have good eclipse viewing? Here's the weather forecast.

Expect some clouds on April 8, the day of the partial solar eclipse in Iowa.

The Des Moines area and central Iowa will experience clouds in the early afternoon, said National Weather Service meteorologist Alexis Jimenez. Northern Iowa is where it’ll be mostly cloudy.

You may have better luck if you're in southeast Iowa, or planning to travel there.

That region will have clearer skies in the afternoon, including in the time frame the solar eclipse is taking place, Jimenez said. The solar eclipse can be seen anywhere from just after 12:30 p.m. to a bit after 3 p.m. depending on where you live in Iowa.

Still, even if the skies are cloudy, you will notice the sky grow darker , according to the NWS.

In Des Moines, the high is expected to be 60 degrees and 59 degrees in Ames, according to the NWS. In Iowa City, the high will be 63 degrees.

See the cloud cover forecast for the total solar eclipse on April 8

The NWS has a national digital forecast database display that allows users to see the percentage of expected amount of opaque clouds, or sky cover, throughout Iowa. The Des Moines area is expected to be in the 50% range as of 1 p.m. on April 8 as of the morning of April 5.

Where can I travel from Iowa to see a total solar eclipse without clouds?

It's too early for the NWS to have certainty in its forecast and anticipated cloud cover continues to shift.

In the update posted Friday afternoon by the service's Weather Prediction Center, there looks to be a stretch from southern Missouri, through southern Illinois and up to Indianapolis that will be in in the path of totality and have sunny skies as the eclipse arrives.

The two closest spots to Iowa that are expected to have the best totality are Carbondale, Illinois (seven-hour drive) and Evansville, Indiana (eight-hour drive). Both are forecast not to have cloud cover as of Friday afternoon. But, be prepared to head out early, they are seven and eight

When is the next total solar eclipse after 2024?

The next total solar eclipse to be seen in the contiguous United States, meaning all the states except Hawaii and Alaska, will be on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA .

There will be a total solar eclipse in 2026, but only a partial eclipse will be visible in North America. Instead, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small area of Portugal will be treated to the spectacle, according to NASA.

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at  [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.