Solar eclipse: What to expect for viewing in Western Washington

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)

2024 solar eclipse WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 8:Volunteers hand out eclipse glasses as 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)

2024 solar eclipse WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 8: Saurin Nanavati of New Jersey, looks up at the sun using binoculars outfitted with solar film, as 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)

2024 solar eclipse FORT WORTH, TEXAS - APRIL 8: The moon begins to eclipse the sun on April 8, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse

2024 solar eclipse WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 8: Eclipse viewing glasses are seen ready for distribution as 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)

2024 solar eclipse WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 8: People line up for a few eclipse glasses hand out as they 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)

2024 solar eclipse HOULTON, MAINE - APRIL 08: Ellen Edwards and Bob Edwards prepare to witness the eclipse on April 08, 2024 in Houlton, Maine. 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 Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse

2024 solar eclipse WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 8: Barbara McLaughlin from Washington, DC, and her granddaughter test out their eclipse viewing glasses by looking towards the sun as they and 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)

2024 solar eclipse FORT WORTH, TEXAS - APRIL 8: The moon eclipses the sun on April 8, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 08: The sun disappears behind the moon during the Great North American Eclipse on April 08, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. 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 Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

2024 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)

2024 solar eclipse WAPAKONETA, OHIO - APRIL 8: A person prepares his telescope 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)

2024 solar eclipse FORT WORTH, TEXAS - APRIL 8: The solar eclipse is seen on April 8, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse WAPAKONETA, OHIO - APRIL 8: People arrive at the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 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)

2024 solar eclipse

2024 solar eclipse WAPAKONETA, OHIO - APRIL 8: Thousands of people descend on the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 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)

2024 solar eclipse

2024 solar eclipse RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS - APRIL 08: Bride and groom Randy and Michelle Weller kiss before a planned mass wedding of over 200 couples at the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival on April 8, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas. 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 Mario Tama/Getty Images) (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: A person uses their phone at Edge at Hudson Yards before a partial solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 in New York City. While New York City isn't in the path of totality, it will see up to 90% of the sun covered by the moon. Around New York and in the path of totality, millions of residents and tourists are preparing for a total solar eclipse. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS - APRIL 08: Bride and groom Kylee and Michael Rice prepare to take a hot air balloon ride before a planned mass wedding of over 200 couples at the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival on April 8, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas. 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 Mario Tama/Getty Images) (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse TORREON, MEXICO - APRIL 8: A man sets up his telescope to see the eclipse at Bosque Urbano on April 8, 2024 in Torreon, Mexico. 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 Getty Images/Getty Images) (Getty Images/Getty Images)

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)

2024 solar eclipse HOULTON, MAINE - APRIL 08: Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA on April 08, 2024, in Houlton, Maine. 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 Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: People enjoy the view from from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center before the start of a partial solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 in New York City. The Top of the Rock is hosting a Solar Eclipse viewing event and provided guests with ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses from Warby Parker. Around New York and in the path of totality, millions of residents and tourists are preparing for a total solar eclipse. This is the first solar eclipse to pass through North America in seven years and will be the last that will be visible from the United States until 2044. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: A woman educates people about the the Solar Eclipse 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)

2024 solar eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: People rest as they wait for the Solar Eclipse 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)

2024 solar eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: Members of the Amish community from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, visit Niagara Falls for the Solar Eclipse 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)

2024 solar eclipse TORREON, MEXICO - APRIL 8: Families prepare to see the eclipse at Bosque Urbano on April 8, 2024 in Torreon, Mexico. 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 Getty Images/Getty Images) (Getty Images/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 08: A man prepares his telescope to see the eclipse on April 08, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. 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 Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 08: A woman puts on her glasses to see the eclipse on April 08, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. 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 Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: T-shirts for sale for the Solar Eclipse 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)

2024 solar eclipse RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS - APRIL 08: A youngster looks at the sun through binoculars at the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival on April 8, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas. 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 Mario Tama/Getty Images) (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: Sisters Reese, 9, Hailey, 12, and Wrenley, 7, arrive wearing NASA outfits ahead off the Solar Eclipse 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)

2024 solar eclipse NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: People wait on the observation deck of Edge at Hudson Yards before a partial solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 in New York City. While New York City isn't in the path of totality, it will see up to 90% of the sun covered by the moon. Around New York and in the path of totality, millions of residents and tourists are preparing for a total solar eclipse. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse HOULTON, MAINE - APRIL 08: Members of the tribe of Maliseet perform a drumming ceremony before the arrival of the eclipse on April 08, 2024, in Houlton, Maine. 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 Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: People enjoy The Beam at the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center before the start of a partial solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 in New York City. The Top of the Rock is hosting a Solar Eclipse viewing event and provided guests with ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses from Warby Parker. Around New York and in the path of totality, millions of residents and tourists are preparing for a total solar eclipse. This is the first solar eclipse to pass through North America in seven years and will be the last that will be visible from the United States until 2044. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: People wrap up warm as they wait for the Solar Eclipse 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)

2024 solar eclipse NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: People gather on the observation deck of Edge at Hudson Yards before a partial solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 in New York City. While New York City isn't in the path of totality, it will see up to 90% of the sun covered by the moon. Around New York and in the path of totality, millions of residents and tourists are preparing for a total solar eclipse. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse HOULTON, MAINE - APRIL 08: People setup cameras to capture the eclipse on April 08, 2024, in Houlton, Maine. 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 Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

2024 solar eclipse CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: Visitors from California prepare their equipment to photograph the total eclipse from a field on the campus of Southern Illinois University 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)

2024 solar eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 08: Glasses to see the eclipse are distributed to people on April 08, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. 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 Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

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)

2024 eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 07: A group of people take photos of the sunset ahead of this Monday's eclipse on April 07, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. According to experts, the west coast of Mexico will be one of the best places to observe the eclipse, especially the states of Coahuila, Durango and Sinaloa, where the Moon will completely block the Sun. The last total eclipse observed from Mexico was in 1991 and the next one will be in 28 years. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

2024 eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 07: A tourist takes photos ahead of this Monday's eclipse on April 07, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. According to experts, the west coast of Mexico will be one of the best places to observe the eclipse, especially the states of Coahuila, Durango and Sinaloa, where the Moon will completely block the Sun. The last total eclipse observed from Mexico was in 1991 and the next one will be in 28 years. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

2024 eclipse RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS - APRIL 07: A visitor adds a pin to a map displaying where eclipse seekers are visiting from during the town's celebration of the April 8 solar eclipse on April 07, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas. Communities across the country in the path of totality of the April 8 eclipse are holding festivals and preparing to host a massive influx of visitors to view the rare celestial phenomenon. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

2024 eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: A rainbow is formed during sunrise light 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)

2024 eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: The sun rises behind clouds 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)

2024 eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 07: A person observes the sun with a telescope ahead of this Monday's eclipse on April 07, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. According to experts, the west coast of Mexico will be one of the best places to observe the eclipse, especially the states of Coahuila, Durango and Sinaloa, where the Moon will completely block the Sun. The last total eclipse observed from Mexico was in 1991 and the next one will be in 28 years. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

2024 eclipse NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - APRIL 8: A matrix road sign displays a message for drivers about the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Lackawanna, 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)

2024 eclipse MAZATLAN, MEXICO - APRIL 07: A girl poses with her glasses to see the eclipse from a car ahead of this Monday's eclipse on April 07, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico. According to experts, the west coast of Mexico will be one of the best places to observe the eclipse, especially the states of Coahuila, Durango and Sinaloa, where the Moon will completely block the Sun. The last total eclipse observed from Mexico was in 1991 and the next one will be in 28 years. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

April 8, 2024 at 2:27 p.m. UTC

By Nick Allard and Debbie Lord

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.

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

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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