Solar eclipse 2024: What to expect if it’s a cloudy day in Vancouver

Attention, Vancouver! We might not be in the “Path of Totality” for today’s solar eclipse, but BC residents should be able to get a glimpse of a partial solar eclipse this morning nonetheless.

According to Time & Date, a partial solar eclipse lasting 1 hour and 37 minutes will commence at 10:43 am in Vancouver.

The Weather Network adds that 28% of the sun will be covered by the moon – however, the ability to see this transpire is weather-dependent.

Given the cloudy skies and light to heavy rain throughout much of the province right now, we’re here to go over where British Columbians have the best chance of viewing the partial solar eclipse.

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What if the skies are cloudy during the eclipse?

So, does cloudy weather mean you won’t be able to see the moment the moon’s shadow totally blocks the sun’s face?

According to Space.com, some clouds will still make for a cool experience.

“If your sky is covered with mid-to-high-level clouds — cirrostratus, altostratus and/or cirrocumulus — you will likely be able to see the forward edge of the elliptical shadow move rapidly toward you and then over you just prior to and at the onset of totality.”

“With its passage may come a remarkable change in the overall quality of light on the surrounding landscape and a dramatic change in the clouds’ colour.”

Thick and low clouds will cause a slightly different outcome.

Space.com says that thick clouds will be like “being in a lighted room where someone turns a dimmer switch down and then turns it back up, causing the light to return.”

Vancouver weather

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) forecast for Vancouver is currently calling for 10 to 20 mm of rain, with a rainfall warning issued for West and North Vancouver with up to 50 mm of rain expected.

There’s also a snowfall warning in effect for the Coquihalla Summit later tonight.

As for the rest of the province, things aren’t looking much better, according to the ECCC.

“The only place I’d say that have clear skies is in northeastern BC, which I don’t think falls in the path of the eclipse,” ECCC Meteorologist Derek Lee tells Curiocity. “The best area in the south where the eclipse may pass through is in the Kootenays or areas near the U.S.-Canada border, including Castlegar and Cranbrook.”

Lee adds that even in these areas, skies are likely to become cloudier this morning.

Total solar eclipse live streams

If all else fails, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and Trottier Observatory will be streaming NASA’s coverage of the total solar eclipse, so you’ll still be able to catch all the action there.

And if you’d rather view it from the comfort of your couch, you can check out these live streams in Canada.

So there you have it, BC! It might not be optimal eclipse-viewing weather – but nothing’s impossible!

Don’t forget your special glasses!