Around 93 per cent of the sun will disappear on Wednesday night — but Met Office maps show heavy cloud and rain bands sweeping across central and eastern areas right at peak viewing time.
Skywatchers across Northern Ireland are gearing up for Wednesday’s historic solar eclipse, but official Met Office forecast maps show rain showers and thick cloud could spoil peak viewing for much of the region.
On Wednesday, August 12, the Moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun, obscuring around 93% of the Sun over Belfast in the deepest eclipse visible from Northern Ireland since August 1999. The spectacle begins shortly after 6:09 PM, reaching maximum coverage at approximately 7:10 PM before concluding around 8:03 PM.
Because the eclipse takes place close to sunset, the Sun will sit low on the west-southwest horizon, meaning clear skies towards the west are essential.
Area-by-area cloud forecast for Northern Ireland at 7:00 PM
Latest Met Office satellite mapping for 7:00 PM reveals a challenging picture for central and eastern areas right as maximum coverage approaches:
- Belfast, Lisburn & Greater Belfast: A band of rain showers and thick cloud (marked in green) sits directly over Belfast, Lisburn, and Crumlin. Darker cloud bands just west of the city could obscure the Sun at the critical 7:10 PM peak.
- Lough Neagh & Mid-Ulster: The heaviest weather feature on the map sits directly over Lough Neagh, bringing dense cloud and heavy rain across Cookstown, Dungannon, and surrounding areas.
- County Down & County Antrim (Ballymena, Larne, Newry): Widespread patchy cloud and scattered showers cover much of the east, making viewing hit-or-miss.
- The West (Derry/Londonderry, Omagh, Enniskillen): Western districts show the best chance of breaks in the weather. Lighter cloud cover around Omagh, Enniskillen, and Derry/Londonderry gives spots like the OM Dark Sky Park a better shot at catching a glimpse through cloud gaps.
Bonus meteor shower later tonight
If cloud gaps clear later in the evening, stargazers are in for a double treat. The eclipse coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, which could bring dozens of shooting stars to dark-sky locations once night falls.
Eye safety warning
Spectators are strictly warned never to look directly at the Sun without certified eye protection. Ordinary sunglasses will not prevent eye damage. Viewers should use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, solar telescope filters, or a safe indirect pinhole projector.
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