Next week, residents of Gloucestershire and the wider South West will witness the UK’s most significant solar eclipse since 1999. The spectacular event is set to unfold on Wednesday, 12 August, with the eclipse commencing around 6:15pm and concluding shortly after 8pm.
At approximately 7:10pm, the eclipse will reach its peak, during which over 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon in Gloucestershire, offering an extraordinary celestial display.
Meteorological forecasts suggest that much of Gloucestershire will enjoy clear and sunny skies, with temperatures soaring into the high twenties Celsius, providing excellent conditions for viewing the eclipse.
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Here is a detailed weather outlook for key towns across Gloucestershire on the evening of the eclipse:
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Gloucester: Expect clear and sunny skies with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius and a gentle breeze. Visibility is anticipated to be “very good” or “good” throughout the day, enhancing the eclipse experience.
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Cheltenham: Temperatures are expected to reach up to 30°C under clear skies, making it an ideal evening to observe the phenomenon.
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Stroud: Residents will experience bright, clear skies with temperatures climbing to around 30°C, providing optimal viewing conditions.
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Tewkesbury: The town will see hot weather with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius. Visibility ranges from “very good” to “good”, accompanied by bright and clear skies.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG), the partial solar eclipse will obscure between 90% and 96% of the sun’s surface. The RMG strongly advises against looking directly at the sun during the eclipse to prevent severe eye damage.
Additionally, the solar eclipse coincides with the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Those who stay out after dark, especially in Dark Sky locations free from light pollution, may be treated to one of the best shooting star displays of the year.
“The combination of clear skies and high temperatures across Gloucestershire will allow many residents to witness both the solar eclipse and the stunning Perseid meteor shower at its peak.”