Get ready, Buffalo! On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America, and you won’t want to miss it. This rare celestial event occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The result? A darkened sky that mimics the beauty of dawn or dusk, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the path of totality, you may even catch a glimpse of the Sun’s outermost atmosphere, known as the corona. But before you start making plans to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon, there’s one crucial detail you need to consider: the weather.
Buffalo, known for its cloudy skies, has historically not been the most ideal location for stargazers and eclipse enthusiasts. However, there’s a glimmer of hope this time around. Liz Jurkowski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Buffalo office, explains that this year’s weather patterns are influenced by an El Nino pattern, which means that the Pacific jet stream moves south and spreads east. This shift in weather patterns brings warmer and drier conditions to the northern United States, including Buffalo.
While April 8 in Buffalo typically sees cloud cover ranging from 70% to 80%, Jurkowski reveals that during an El Nino year, cloud cover is usually around 60% to 70%. So, if you’re scanning the sky on that day, expect to see some clouds, but not a complete overcast sky. It’s a promising sign for eclipse enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting this celestial event.
Buffalo is one of the lucky cities that sit within the narrow band of the eclipse’s path. This means that residents will experience a total solar eclipse that can last up to four minutes. The partial eclipse is expected to reach Western New York at 2:04 p.m. local time and transition into the total eclipse phase at 3:18 p.m., with the maximum darkness occurring at 3:20 p.m. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that hasn’t occurred in Buffalo for over 375 years.
However, don’t get too carried away with excitement just yet. Jurkowski warns that based on historical observations, there’s a high chance of cloudy skies during the eclipse. The last total eclipse in Buffalo, which took place in 1925, was unfortunately obscured by clouds. But don’t let that dampen your spirits. Even if it’s cloudy, the sky will still darken, and you’ll still be able to experience the eclipse, even if you can’t witness the full scientific spectacle.
As for the temperature, it’s still too early to determine what it will be like on April 8, 2024. Buffalo has seen a wide range of temperatures on this date over the past 84 years. In 1939, the high was 39 degrees Fahrenheit, while in 1972, it dropped as low as 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on historical data, it’s best to dress for an average high of 49.4 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 32.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
The National Weather Service will provide daily forecasts leading up to the eclipse, so keep an eye out for updates as the date approaches. There’s always a chance of precipitation, whether it be rain or snow. In fact, Buffalo has seen more than 3 inches of snowfall on April 8 in the past, with the most recent measurable snowfall occurring in 2018. However, no matter the weather conditions, rest assured that the sky will darken and the Sun will be fully covered during the eclipse.
So, mark your calendars and prepare yourself for a celestial spectacle like no other. The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is a rare event that you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts, cross your fingers for clear skies, and get ready to witness the magic of the universe right here in Buffalo.