No lingering nor’easter effects expected for Monday eclipse in Maine

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff

After Thursday’s nor’easter moves out of Maine, the weather is looking up. 

According to the Caribou National Weather Service office, conditions will likely be dry and sunny on Sunday, continuing into Monday, resulting in an optimal opportunity to view the total solar eclipse that will last up to  3 ½ minutes in parts of Maine. 

The extended forecast shows skies clearing throughout the day Sunday, with a high pressure system moving in from Canada that should clear most clouds. Northern Maine will likely see above-normal temperatures in the mid-50s Sunday, with higher temperatures persisting on Monday.  The warmer temperatures will be a boon to the numerous eclipse celebrations occurring this weekend. 

While the temperatures and conditions are slated to improve through the weekend, warmer temperatures will continue to melt snow from Thursday’s storm. The snow melt may impact travel conditions, with some flooding possible. 

The runoff will likely bring back “mud season” conditions, which can hinder mobility on rural and camp roads, so travelers are being warned to be attentive to changing conditions. 

Any lingering winds from Thursday’s storm system are also expected to resolve by Sunday evening, and forecasters see very little likelihood of precipitation either Sunday night or during the day Monday.

Forecasters are expecting that dropping temperatures leading up to and during eclipse totality will be impacted by any lingering snowpack. Under typical weather conditions, air temperatures can drop dramatically by as much as 10 degrees in the lead up and aftermath of totality. Any remaining snow will contribute to lower air temperatures, according to forecasters. 

NWS officials still expect that there may be some clouds lingering in the highest levels of the atmosphere, but they are less likely to impact eclipse visibility. 

The latest outlook from forecasters at the National Weather Service remains promising for optimal eclipse viewing throughout the state on Monday. 

The most recent forecast as of Wednesday morning sees conditions starting to improve from a midweek nor’easter by Saturday, with calm weather throughout the day Sunday. 

While the temperatures and conditions are slated to improve through the end of the week, warmer temperatures will continue to melt snow from Thursday’s storm. The snow melt may impact travel conditions, with some flooding possible. 

The runoff will likely bring back “mud season” conditions, which can hinder mobility on rural and camp roads, so travelers are being warned to be attentive to changing conditions. 

Heading into Monday, conditions across New England are looking good. The only risk forecasters have identified at the moment is a low pressure system expected to move east from the Mississippi Valley, which could push cloud cover eastward. Time will tell whether the system poses a risk to Maine viewing opportunities. 

NWS officials note that there may be some clouds lingering in the highest levels of the atmosphere, but they are less likely to impact eclipse visibility. 

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s on Monday. But don’t count on the warmth — air temperatures can drop dramatically by as much as 10 degrees in the lead up and aftermath of totality. 

As of Wednesday morning, Maine has a less than five percent chance of rainfall. But forecasters are keeping an eye on things as conditions will likely change over the next five days. 

To the surprise of many who are familiar with Maine’s temperamental weather, skies are expected to be clear during the total solar eclipse next Monday. 

According to predictions from the National Weather Service, Maine will be one of the most promising places to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. Following a predicted nor’easter moving in Wednesday night and lingering on Thursday, clouds on Sunday and Monday are expected to dissipate.

Maine’s often unpredictable weather makes viewing celestial events difficult at times, as cloud cover often obscures events like the Perseid meteor shower. Historical weather data show that during a typical year, Maine would likely experience a significant amount of cloud cover on April 8. 

However, due to El Nino conditions, cloud patterns have been slightly altered this year, allowing Maine to see more sun, according to forecasters.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s on Monday. But don’t count on the warmth — air temperatures can drop dramatically by as much as 10 degrees in the lead up and aftermath of totality. 

While the forecast will likely change within the next few days, the outlook for total solar eclipse viewing is promising.