MILWAUKEE COUNTY

Clouds could thin in time for improved eclipse viewing

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Despite a forecast for cloudy skies across most of the state, meteorologists say Wisconsinites should hold out some hope of catching a glimpse of the eclipse Monday.

National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Miller said the National Weather Service is thinking the clouds will thin out, allowing the eclipse to be seen through some filtered sunlight.

Fourth-graders at Clardy Elementary School in Kansas City, Mo., practice the proper use of their eclipse glasses on Aug. 18, 2017.

"Most people across the state will have an opportunity to see it," Miller said. "It just won't be as crystal clear like everyone was hoping for."

The National Weather Service is watching a low-pressure system move into Wisconsin from the northwest that is expected to bring mostly cloudy skies during the middle of Monday and a good chance of showers and thunderstorms in the late afternoon and evening.

Miller said the clouds projected to blanket the state behave a bit differently than some clouds in that they are the tops of thunderstorm clouds. He said it's hard to tell how fast or slow the clouds will clear out, especially because the storms are still developing.

In Milwaukee, where the eclipse will start at 11:53 a.m. and hit peak at 1:18 p.m. before finishing at 2:40 p.m., there's a 70% probability of cloudy skies at 1 p.m. Monday.

Most places in Wisconsin will hit the peak of the eclipse between 1:07 and 1:18 p.m. That's when, if the state was in the path of totality, it would turn dark, but because it's not, Wisconsinites will see — if the skies are sunny — a range of 75% to 87% of the sun covered depending on their location.

At 1 p.m., the probability of cloudy skies in Madison is 70%, in La Crosse it's 75%, in Green Bay it's 45%, in Rhinelander it's 55%, in Wausau it's 35%, in Eau Claire it's 30% and there's a 80% probability of cloudy skies in Superior, according to the weather service.

Miller said viewing the eclipse may be tougher the farther north you go because of how the thunderstorms are developing.

Clouds might shift and open up throughout the almost three hours of the eclipse in Wisconsin, so be prepared. Don't look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Sunglasses are not enough. Many libraries in the Milwaukee area are handing out free eclipse glasses and organizing viewing gatherings, as are other locations like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Museum and Wehr Nature Center.

Motorists should also be prepared. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation issued a warning about drivers focusing on the road, clicking on their vehicle's low-beam headlights when the sun dims, and parking in a safe area if they decide to view the eclipse. Some DOT dynamic message signs in Wisconsin are flashing this message: Don't Have an Eclipse in Judgment. Drive Safely.

And if Wisconsin is totally socked in or folks don't feel like leaving their Barcaloungers, there's a surefire way to see the eclipse. Online and on TV.

The USA TODAY Network will be broadcasting on Facebook Live across all of its 110 news sites, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's. It will feature feeds from NASA, the Associated Press and local network properties.

NASA will offer hours of coverage online and on NASA Television beginning at 11 a.m. CST. It plans to livestream the eclipse beginning at noon with images from satellites, research aircraft, high-altitude balloons and specially modified telescopes.

CNN coverage will include reporting from Oregon, Missouri, Tennessee and South Carolina. CNN also plans two hours of livestreaming, 360-degree coverage accessible in virtual reality through Oculus headsets beginning at noon.

The PBS science series NOVA is planning a quick turnaround with an hour-long eclipse documentary at 8 p.m. The Science Channel broadcasts live coverage from Madras, Ore., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with commentary from educators and astronomers from the Lowell Observatory.

David Muir will anchor ABC's two hours of live coverage, with correspondents reporting from across the country. NBC plans live coverage, with Lester Holt hosting special reports at noon and 1 p.m. featuring correspondents in Oregon, Illinois, Wyoming and South Carolina. Shepard Smith will break into programs on Fox News Channel from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to update viewers on the eclipse.

The Weather Channel is kicking off its live coverage at 5 a.m. and continuing throughout the day with dispatches from seven locations.

USA TODAY and The Associated Press contributed to this report.