Houston solar eclipse: Clouds, storms lead abysmal forecast

Cloud cover and storms may spoil Houston's view of Monday's total solar eclipse, but local astronomers are still optimistic about the experience.

Catch up quick: The Moon will eclipse about 94% of the Sun over Houston starting at 12:20pm.

• The eclipse will peak at 1:40pm and end at 3:01pm.

Yes, but: A majority of the U.S. inside the path of totality — including Houston — is expected to see cloud cover anywhere between 30% and 80% Monday, according to the latest models from the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center .

• Meteorologists predict Texas could see anywhere from 30% cloud cover near Dallas to 60% near Austin, which will both experience a total eclipse.

Zoom in: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration models predict Houston will see 75% cloud coverage at the peak of the eclipse.

What's happening: National Weather Service meteorologists say a frontal boundary that brought beautiful weather to the Bayou City for most of last week is retreating back north — and bringing Gulf moisture along with it.

• At the same time, winds high in the atmosphere will blow in from the southwest and combine with the Gulf moisture to give Houston a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday, according to NWS meteorologists .

Despite the conditions, Houston Museum of Natural Science astronomers are pressing onward with their Totality Over Texas celebration , in which they're hosting outdoor watch parties at the museum's central and Sugar Land locations.

What they're saying: "It's why I like eclipses so much — no matter how you see them and what they look like — the fact that they tie you to a moment in time," curator of astronomy Dr. Carolyn Sumners said .

• "Life is all about making memories, and this is going to be a memory no matter what the weather is."

Meanwhile, the nearby Houston Zoo is inviting guests to see how animals react to the phenomenon .

• The Memorial Park Conservancy is also hosting a watch party atop the Kinder Land Bridge at 1pm.
• And Harris County Precinct 4 is holding an event at John Paul Landing Park at noon.

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