Solar eclipse: What to expect for viewing in Western Washington

By Meteorologist Nick Allard, KIRO 7 News and Debbie Lord, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

April 08, 2024 at 7:27 am PDT

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People watching the 2024 solar eclipse — 2024 solar eclipse WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 8: Arsalan Ahmed of Alexandria, VA and Lizzie Pittinger, from Washington, DC test out their eclipse glasses as they and other people gather on the National Mall to view the partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Washington, DC. People have traveled to areas across North America that are in the "path of totality" in order to experience the eclipse today, with the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from a large part of North America won't happen until 2044. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

People watching the solar eclipse — 2024 solar eclipse WAPAKONETA, OHIO - APRIL 8: A person prepares his camera to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 at the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Wapakoneta is the hometown of Apollo 13 astronaut and the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Millions of people have flocked to areas across North America that are in the "path of totality" in order to experience a total solar eclipse. During the event, the moon will pass in between the sun and the Earth, appearing to block the sun. (Photo by Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images) (Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images)

People awaiting the 2024 solar eclipse. — 2024 solar eclipse CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: People gather in a field on the campus of Southern Illinois University to prepare for the start of the total eclipse on April 08, 2024 in Carbondale, Illinois. People have travelled from around the country to the campus to view the rare celestial phenomenon. During the event, the Moon will pass in between the Sun and the Earth, appearing to block the Sun. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

eclipse watchers — 2024 eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: Photographers get in to position early in the morning in preparation for the Solar Eclipse later today on April 8, 2024 in Niagara Falls, New York. Millions of people have flocked to areas across North America that are in the "path of totality" in order to experience a total solar eclipse. During the event, the moon will pass in between the sun and the Earth, appearing to block the sun. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) (Adam Gray/Getty Images)

By Meteorologist Nick Allard, KIRO 7 News and Debbie Lord, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

April 08, 2024 at 7:27 am PDT

SEATTLE — A warm front is moving over the area today, which means we’ll stay cloudy and most of the area will have at least light rain.

However, we should be slightly drier in the Central Sound because of the rain shadow. Still, I don’t expect much if any clearing today, which is not good news for the eclipse.

For those eagerly anticipating the partial solar eclipse event in Washington, here are some key details you should be aware of:

Starts 10:39 a.m.
Partial eclipse 11:29 a.m. (only 20%)
Over At 12:21 p.m.
Today will be mainly cloudy — 92% cloud cover at 11 a.m. in Seattle — so conditions are not great for catching the eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will occur on Aug. 23, 2044.

How should I view the partial eclipse?

It is dangerous to look at the sun at any time. The light from the sun can damage the retina in your eye. If you want to watch the eclipse, you need the proper glasses to do so.

Also, there are only certain times when you can look directly at the sun during an eclipse.

Good morning traffic fam! Nothing major blocking the roads.

Happy eclipse day! Don't forget to wear the special glasses. And most importantly, if you're driving during the eclipse don't stop in the road to view it -- pull over to a safe place! pic.twitter.com/ZjlUujMlin
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) April 8, 2024

Here’s what NASA says about looking at an eclipse:

“When watching a partial eclipse you must wear eclipse glasses at all times if you want to face the sun, or use an alternate indirect method. This also applies during a total eclipse up until the time when the sun is completely blocked.

Which states will be able to see the total blackout of the sun?

The total eclipse will begin in Texas and travel into Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The eclipse will also be seen in some areas of Tennessee and Michigan.

How long will it take to move across the US?

In the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CDT and will end in Maine at 3:35 pm EDT.

More on the eclipse

Planning to catch the eclipse? Make sure you have the right eye protection

Solar Eclipse 2024: Here’s how to use your cellphone to capture images of the event

Delta to send passengers 30,000 feet up to experience eclipse

‘Twilight’ fans get ‘Eclipse’ warning from Department of Energy

Solar eclipse 2024: Enter your zip code, see how eclipse will look from your home