UK Solar Eclipse Weather: Clear for Most, Cloudy Up North
Get the Health newsletter
Daily health & science — research, biotech, public health, the studies worth knowing. Free.
- The UK will see a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August, beginning around 18:00 BST as the Moon moves across the face of the Sun — described as the closest thing to a total eclipse the country will see for some time.
- London will see around 90% of the Sun covered at peak, while Cornwall could see up to 95% obscuration, with peak times across the UK falling between 19:02 and 19:16 BST.
- High pressure across continental Europe is forecast to bring dry, settled, hot and sunny conditions across much of the UK on Wednesday, giving most viewers clear skies.
- North Wales, northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland may see areas of cloud push through between 18:00 and 19:00 BST, with western Scotland and northern and western Northern Ireland facing outbreaks of rain.
- Iceland is forecast to have some cloud, with the best gaps in the north and rain in the south, while Spain and Portugal are expected to enjoy near-perfect clear skies.
- The Sun will sit very low in the western sky during the eclipse, so viewers are advised to find somewhere high up with a clear, unobstructed view to the west, away from trees and buildings.
Why it matters: Because the Sun will sit very low on the western horizon at peak, even a thin layer of cloud can ruin the view for millions — the forecast hands prime viewing to southern England, Spain and Portugal while putting Scotland and Northern Ireland at real risk of being clouded out during the 19:02–19:16 BST peak window.
Ask SkimNews
