Solar Eclipse 2017: Illinois Weather Forecast

CARBONDALE, IL — The Aug. 21 total solar eclipse will have its longest duration of totality right here in Illinois — southern Illinois, to be precise. But what will the weather be like, and will the skies be clear enough to get a good look (while wearing protective eclipse glasses, of course)?

The current forecast for Monday, Aug. 21 in Carbondale is partly cloudy, with a high near 88 degrees and a 10 percent chance of rain, according to Weather.com. In the Chicago area, the forecast calls for mostly cloudy skiesand a 30 percent chance of rain.

In Illinois, the eclipse will begin at around 11:52 p.m. near Carbondale, with totality — the time when the sun is all but totally blocked out — starting at about 1:20 p.m. The eclipse will end at around 2:47 p.m. All times are Central.

Check out Vox's interactive map to figure out what time the solar eclipse will reach its height in your area.

Wondering where and when to watch the eclipse in Illinois and how to protect your peepers from damage? Patch has you covered:

• Total Solar Eclipse 2017: Where To Watch In Illinois, Best Viewing Tips
• Get Your NASA-Approved Solar Eclipse Glasses Before It's Too Late
• Solar Eclipse: Don't Fall For Fake Eclipse Glasses

If you can't get outside on Monday, NASA will be providing live video from several cities in the path of the total eclipse.

Watch what happens during a solar eclipse:

Photo from Rutgers University