The weather played such a key role in Monday’s total eclipse in the midsection of our country. There were plenty of clouds from Texas northward, but nature scored again, and clouds thinned in many areas allowing an awesome view of the big event. The skies went from day to night for several minutes.
In our local area the partial eclipse of about 30 percent or so was hardly noticeable because of the thick gray overcast. It was dark enough on its own without a dimming of sunlight. I had several friends and weather buddies that made the trip to Texas for the event and by looking at their pictures on social media, they had a great time and exceptional luck with the clouds thinning out, making the corona visible.
I enjoy a total eclipse when it goes dark for a couple of minutes, the streetlights turn on, the cool breeze comes up and the birds and animals are naturally confused for a moment or two. The eclipse here in 2017 was a good one as well as the one on Feb. 26, 1979. In February of 1979 it was cloudy here in Vancouver, but I watched the darkness fall upon us and the streetlights flickered on.
Drips and drizzles
Back to the weather where I thought we would have several dry and warm days this week. Nature has other plans, of course. Clouds should slowly clear out somewhat by tonight setting the stage for a chance of frost in the northern lowlands of our county. Wednesday will be partly sunny, Thursday mostly cloudy and then Friday through the weekend we have a chance of showers each day. Not a washout by any means but drips and drizzles here and there. The bulk of weather energy slips southward to California.
