Next Wednesday, August 12, the South West of the UK will witness its largest solar eclipse since 1999, promising some of the clearest and most spectacular views in the country.
The eclipse is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:15pm and will conclude shortly after 8pm. The peak phase, when the moon covers around 90% of the sun in Gloucestershire, will occur around 7:10pm.
Weather conditions across Gloucestershire appear favourable for the event, with forecasts predicting clear, sunny skies and warm temperatures.
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Here is a town-by-town forecast for the evening of the solar eclipse:
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Gloucester: Expect clear and sunny skies with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius. A slight breeze is anticipated, and visibility will be “good” to “very good” throughout the day.
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Cheltenham: Residents can look forward to clear skies and temperatures reaching up to 30°C, providing excellent conditions for viewing.
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Stroud: Bright and clear skies are expected during the eclipse, with temperatures climbing to a warm 30°C.
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Tewkesbury: The town will experience hot temperatures in the high 20s with visibility rated between “good” and “very good”, alongside bright skies.
The Royal Museums Greenwich has reported that the partial eclipse will see between 90% and 96% of the sun obscured by the moon. They strongly caution against looking directly at the sun without proper protection, as this can cause serious eye damage.
Additionally, the eclipse coincides with the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Those who venture outside after dark, especially in areas with dark skies free from light pollution, may be rewarded with one of the year’s most impressive displays of shooting stars.
“Never look directly into the sun during the eclipse without appropriate eye protection, as it can severely damage your eyes,” emphasised the Royal Museums Greenwich.
This rare celestial event offers a remarkable opportunity for skywatchers across Gloucestershire to witness a spectacular natural phenomenon under favourable weather conditions.