Clear skies forecast for partial eclipse in Montreal

Nearly 60 percent of the surface of the sun over Montreal will be covered by the moon on Monday, August 21 at 2:38pm. (Photo: timeanddate.com)

As the final countdown draws close for the start of the total eclipse on Monday, August 21, attention will be focused on the all important weather forecast. Millions of people around the US and Canada will be eager for clear skies to view, what is for many, a once in a lifetime event. The narrow path of totality, spanning only 70 miles (113km) wide, will be the main focus for viewing on Monday. But interest is high, even here in Montreal, where approximately 60 percent of the sun will be covered by the shadow of the passing moon. The eclipse will begin at 1:21 pm in Montreal, peaking at 2:38pm and ending at 3:12pm. The eclipse will be traveling across North America at approximately 1700 mph (2735 km/h), so pay attention! Totality, or in the case of Montreal the peak period, will only last for 2 to 3 minutes at any given location.

Partial eclipse of the sun; if skies remain clear on Monday, Montreal will be in for a rare celestial treat.

In a summer that has had more clouds than sun, there was a good bet that Monday's weather would impede viewing in Montreal. At the moment, that does not appear to be the case. Sunshine and warm temperatures are expected for southern Quebec. Some clouds are possible, especially along the US border and in eastern Ontario, but at worst, the skies would be partly cloudy. The best viewing weather is expected to be across western regions of the continent, with clear skies forecast across southern Albert and British Columbia south into the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies. As the eclipse travels southeast across the US, more clouds, along with showers and thunderstorms are possible from the Midwest into the Southeast. Other regions from the Great Lakes into the Northeast have a 50/50 chance of full on clouds or clear skies. It will likely be a daytime decision as to where some will choose to settle in and view this spectacular event. One guaranteed location for clear, safe and extensive viewing, will be online at the NASA website. Live steaming will occur at Eclipse Live. NASA will draw on the resources of 11 spacecraft, at least three aircraft, more than 50 high-altitude balloons and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.