As Eclipse Day draws near, cloud coverage grows in Louisville

America has waited more than 100 years to witness a total solar eclipse spanning coast to coast, but cloud coverage could block the view here in Louisville. 

Cloud coverage Monday is expected to be anywhere from 30 to 50 percent in the River City during the Great American Eclipse, said Evan Webb, Meteorologist for the National Weather Service. 

"There's a chance that there will be a pretty good canopy of opaque clouds over the Louisville sky," Webb said. "But perhaps we can get them to scatter by 2 p.m." 

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While there is only a five percent chance of rain in Louisville, storm clouds pushing southward from the northernmost states in the U.S. could spoil the view, Webb added. 

Hopkinsville, however, should have much better views of the eclipse. The National Weather Service predicts a forecast of mostly sunny with less than a five percent chance of rain. 

Both cities will have a heat index between 95-100 degrees on eclipse day. The National Weather Service advises those viewing the eclipse outside to stay hydrated and wear loose and breathable clothing. 

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Webb said that during the eclipse itself, when the moon passes in front of the sun, temperatures could suddenly drop anywhere from three to seven degrees from the current temperature.

In addition to comfortable clothing, Webb also said it's important to protect your eyes during the historic moment. 

"During an eclipse, it can be dark enough to look at the sun without reflexive squinting. But looking at the sun during an eclipse with proper eyewear can cause partial but permanent eye damage," Webb said. 

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People who don't travel to see the total solar eclipse must wait more than a century for one to drape their city in darkness. The last solar eclipse was June 8, 1918. 

Louisville residents can expect to see the moon cover 95.8 percent of the sun. The moon will be in the sun's path starting at 12:59 p.m. and continue for two hours and 52 minutes. The best time to see the peak of the eclipse will be 2:27 p.m. 

Reach Reporter Thomas Novelly at 502-582-4465 or by email at tnovelly@courier-journal.com Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. 

Solar Eclipse 2017 | How much will you see?