Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK solar eclipse 2015: Weather and cold front could block out views

In Scotland, the eclipse will be closest to total — but the view might be obscured by clouds

Andrew Griffin
Wednesday 18 March 2015 13:27 EDT
Comments
A partial solar eclipse is seen just after sunrise over the Queens borough of New York across the East River
A partial solar eclipse is seen just after sunrise over the Queens borough of New York across the East River

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Large parts of the UK could miss out on the solar eclipse on Friday because of bad weather headed over the country, according to meteorologists.

South west England, most of Wales and the western and northern part of the Midlands will probably have the best view of the eclipse, according to The Weather Channel. “That doesn’t mean that other places aren’t going to be so good — but the in the south east of England, it’s a bit of a close shave whether the low cloud and mist will be able to clear in time,” Leon Brown, the channel’s chief meteorologist, told The Independent.

Scotland, especially the north east, was thought to be best placed for the eclipse since it will be closest to total there. But the view could be obscured by cloud — the sun is likely to be visible for a short time, before being covered by cloud, and then coming out again.

Because of a cold front that will move down the country over the morning, the south west of England is likely to be the place that’s surest of an unobstructed view. The front will cover the view for those in Northern Ireland and north west England — areas such as Cumbria, Lancashire and the Isle of Man — where people might not be able to see anything at all.

The same front will leave unstable weather behind it, with the mix of cloud and sunny spells that will cover Scotland.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in