The early eclipse weather forecast looks clear in the West and cloudy in the East with patchy clouds muddling up the picture in between.
The spectacular viewing event will appear across skies on Monday, August 21, but some states have a better chance of seeing the rare sight.
The forecast as of Friday shows Oregon and Idaho as the most promising spots to have clear sky views.
However, South Carolina is the most likely to find the sun and moon blocked by clouds and potential rainfall.
As of Friday, the solar eclipse weather forecast for Monday looks clear in the West and cloudy in the East. Pictured: Forecast map of cloud cover for the event
Meteorologist Mike Musher says overall about half the nation is likely to get favorable eclipse viewing weather.
There are thunderstorms expected in several Midwest states, including Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas, making it unclear if those areas will be able to spot the eclipse.
Musher added to Time: ‘The Midwest is kind of in the unknown.’
He continued: ‘Even though the probability for clouds is pretty low in the Northwest, there could be smoke that could inhibit a perfect view of the eclipse. It’s something to keep in mind.’
One private meteorologist and eclipse-chaser fears heart-breaking weather in Wyoming where clouds could hide the eclipse with tantalizing clear skies just off in the distance.
Clouds make it difficult to see the fiery ring around the blotted out sun.
Here is a breakdown of forecasts in selected cities in path of totality as of Friday
SOUTHEAST
The eclipse will occur in the early to mid-afternoon hours in the Southest, with thunderstorms expected at this time
The eclipse will occur in the early to mid-afternoon hours in this part of the country, with thunderstorms expected at this time.
Forecast confidence: Low to medium
Greenville, South Carolina: Partly cloudy, high of 90F
Columbia, South Carolina : Partly cloudy, thunderstorm expected, high of 91F
Charleston, South Carolina: Mostly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms, high of 87F
Nashville, Tennessee: Sunshine and clouds mixed, high of 90F
MIDWEST
St. Louis to Nashville should have good views of the eclipse. However, thunderstorms could roll through parts of Nebraska, northeast Kansas and Missouri
The National Weather Service also is optimistic about good viewing from St. Louis to Nashville.
But thunderstorms could roll through parts of Nebraska, northeast Kansas and Missouri. The eclipse is expected to happen midday into the early afternoon.
Forecast confidence: Medium
Grand Island, Nebraska: Greatest risk area for mostly cloudy conditions, high of 90F
St. Joseph, Missouri: Partly cloudy, frequent interference possible, high of 86F
St. Louis, Missouri: Partly cloudy, occasional interference possible, high of 92F
Carbondale, Illinois: Scattered clouds, mostly sunny, high of 88F
Hopkinsville, Kentucky: Scattered clouds, mostly sunny, limited interference , high of 89F
WEST
The West, especially Oregon and Iadaho, is in the best position to watch the eclipse on Monday
The West is in the best position to watch the eclipse on Monday. The event is expected to occur late-morning to midday eclipse, making it the first part of the country to witness the sight.
Forecast confidence: Medium to high
Corvallis, Oregon: Morning fog likely to burn off in time for good view, high of 90F
Madras, Oregon: Mostly clear but light smoke haze possible, high of 92F
Rexburg, Idaho: Scattered clouds, light haze, high of 83F
Casper, Wyoming: Scattered clouds, mostly sunny, little interference, high of 81F