Forecasters have warned that 'stubborn cloud' could limit Scots' view of today's solar eclipse, with some areas expected to see 90 per cent cover.
Eclipse Timing and Visibility
The rare astronomical event is set to begin at 6pm tonight (August 12), with the moon taking the biggest bite out of the sun just after 7pm. Many parts of Scotland are expected to see 90 per cent cover during the eclipse, making it the largest eclipse Scots have witnessed for over a decade.
While clear skies are optimal for viewing the partial solar eclipse, some areas are expected to be bogged down by cloudy conditions. BBC Scotland forecaster Gillian Smart said: "This evening, cloud quite stubborn in parts of the north and west which could limit your viewing of the eclipse. Better chance the further south and east you are, but hopefully that cloud will be fairly broken."
Met Office Forecast
The Met Office has warned that Scotland is expected to experience "low to moderate" viewing conditions this evening, while the best chance of an unobstructed view in the UK is expected south of the border. The national forecaster states: "Further north, however, conditions are expected to be more challenging. Cloud cover is likely to affect much of northern England and Scotland, reducing opportunities to see the event."
Those living in Central Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders can be more hopeful as a "few clear spells" are predicted for the evening, but northern areas aren't as lucky. The Met Office's forecast for this evening in the Highlands is that along with heavy downpours in parts, the cloudy conditions are expected to persist in the west with some haar expected in places.
Alternative Viewing and Thunder Risk
While this may ruin plans for Scots to watch the solar eclipse through their specially designed glasses or through a pinhole projector, hope isn't lost. There are a variety of livestreams available this evening on YouTube so you can still take in the wonders of the solar event from the comfort of your home.
Sadly, this isn't the end of the gloomy weather as forecasters have also warned that some parts of Scotland may experience thunder this evening following the solar eclipse. Reading the forecast for August 12, meteorologist Clare Nasir said: "To Wednesday evening and overnight, notice yet again some showers cropping up and they could turn heavy, even with the risk of thunder from time to time. And that will be the case into the early hours of Thursday morning. The cloud will thicken and again some showery bursts with some heavier downpours are possible."
While rainy conditions are expected to continue in the west of Scotland and Highlands throughout Thursday (August 13), temperatures are also expected to rise. Nasir says that despite the cloud coming and going tomorrow, some areas of Scotland are expected to rise to 27C to 28C by late afternoon. It won't only be the south of the country enjoying these highs, as Aberdeen is currently predicted to jump to 26C, with the Moray Firth also rising to a warm 23C.
However, Scots will want to enjoy this warm spell while it lasts as temperatures are expected to slump back into the high teens during the weekend.
