Weather experts are expecting prime viewing conditions for this weekend’s annular eclipse.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fort Worth said it predicts there will be clear and sunny skies across North Texas throughout the weekend, accompanied by cooler temperatures.
North Texas experienced a brief warm-up at the beginning of the workweek as temperatures were predicted to rise into the high 80s to low 90s across the metroplex, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Cooler temperatures can be expected from October 13 onwards due to a passing cold front. The region will get windy with gusts of up to 30 mph, while temperatures in North Texas will range from the high 70s to the low 80s.
The humidity will be less of an issue following the cold front, with a chance of a few rain showers possible across parts of Central/East Texas starting this afternoon, according to the NWS’s website.
Friday night will see temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s and rise into the low to mid-70s on the morning of October 14, bringing “excellent” conditions to view the partial solar eclipse in North Texas.
Experts report that the partial eclipse will begin at about 10:23 a.m. in the metroplex, with peak obscurity occurring at 11:52 a.m., covering about 81% of the sun. Other areas in the path of totality will see 90% of the sun obscured, producing a “ring of fire.” However, optimal viewing conditions may be hindered due to clouds.
Weather experts recommend using special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses, to protect your eyes. Standard eyewear is insufficient.
“Looking at the sun is harmful to and dangerous for your eyes. Eye diseases like cataracts, photokeratitis, macular degeneration, and eye-related cancers are all triggered by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays … and blue light. Staring at the sun causes temporary blindness. Permanent blindness can also happen, but that rarely happens. But even partial impairment can be permanent,” reads an article published on MyVision.org.
Temperatures are expected to remain in the 70s into the following week, with rain chances returning later in the work week.