Solar eclipse 2026 weather forecast – where and when will the best view be?
Look to the skies on Wednesday because one of the most spectacular solar eclipses for decades is coming the UK's way with likely optimum viewing conditions for many.
A spectacular solar eclipse is set to take place in the UK on Wednesday, 12 August. The Moon will begin crossing the face of the Sun around 18:00 BST, with the best view occurring between 19:02 and 19:16 BST. Around London, 90% of the Sun will be covered, while in Cornwall, up to 95% could be obscured depending on one's location.
The UK is currently experiencing two contrasting weather systems. High pressure over much of continental Europe means most of the country is expected to enjoy dry and settled conditions, with a hot and sunny day forecast. This should provide many with a clear view of the eclipse. However, cloud cover could potentially disrupt viewing in some areas, particularly in north Wales, northern England, and the northern parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Cloud and rain are possible in parts of western Scotland and the north and west of Northern Ireland, while Iceland appears to have the best chance for clear skies. In Spain and Portugal, the view is also expected to be near perfect with clear conditions. The Sun will be low in the western sky during the eclipse, so finding a location with an unobstructed western view, ideally at a higher elevation away from trees and buildings, is recommended.
This eclipse represents the closest thing to a total eclipse the UK will witness for quite some time, making it a highly anticipated event.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
