Severe Weather Threat for Dallas Area During Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued an early severe weather risk for North and East Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, and slivers of southwestern Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Dallas area will experience a total solar eclipse, but it may come with a severe weather threat. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has maintained an early severe weather risk for North and East Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, and slivers of southwestern Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The risk zone encompasses the path of totality, which is expected to attract people from all over the world.

The SPC noted that an upper-level low-pressure system would move into the Desert Southwest on Monday, interacting with a moist air mass and deep wind shear in place from much of central, north, and east Texas east into Louisiana. This atmospheric setup could lead to a large cluster of severe thunderstorms on Monday afternoon into Tuesday night, potentially impacting the eclipse experience for those in the region.

However, the severe weather threat may hold off until the late afternoon or evening, allowing for the eclipse to occur before the storms arrive. The eclipse begins in Dallas at 12:23 p.m. CT, with just under 4 minutes of totality occurring between 1:40 and 1:44 p.m. CT. The SPC will issue more detailed severe weather threat forecasts as the event approaches.

Despite the potential for severe weather, the Dallas area remains a popular destination for eclipse gazers. The saving grace is that the severe weather threat may hold off until after the eclipse has passed through the region. However, even if storms hold off until after the eclipse, it could catch travelers off guard in what is expected to be heavy traffic through the rest of the day as eclipse gazers head home.

In conclusion, while the Dallas area is at risk for severe weather during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the storms may not arrive until after the eclipse has passed. However, travelers should remain vigilant and stay updated on the forecast as the event approaches to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.