BETA
09.08.2026
Nýtt
Attention
Uncertainty over cloud cover along the path of totality
Forecast issued at 22:00 on Sunday 9 August,
72 hours before the solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August.
A low-pressure system is expected to approach southern Iceland on Wednesday. The latest weather model runs place the low just south of the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its associated fronts crossing most of the country. The low is then expected to move eastwards along the south coast. Precipitation will mainly be confined to southern Iceland, with little precipitation in the north and around Breiðafjörður. These areas are also where breaks in the cloud cover are most likely to develop.
Most models now place the low in roughly the same area, increasing confidence in its forecast position. However, there is still uncertainty about the extent of the fronts and how far north they will reach over Faxaflói. This will have a major bearing on whether the eclipse will be visible.
The high-resolution models now extend far enough ahead to cover 18:00 on Wednesday. They provide forecasts for three cloud layers: high, mid-level and low cloud. High cloud has relatively little effect on eclipse viewing, as sunlight can pass through it fairly easily. Mid-level cloud allows less sunlight through, but it would not necessarily prevent people from enjoying the eclipse. If an area of low cloud is present, however, the chances of seeing the Sun or the eclipse will be small.
The total cloud cover forecast indicates that skies will be almost completely overcast across Iceland at 18:00, as shown in the green panel. However, the low-cloud forecast shows some breaks in western Iceland and the Westfjords. The mid-level and high-cloud forecasts also show gaps in broadly similar areas, although not in exactly the same locations.
Cloud cover is generally one of the most difficult weather parameters to forecast because of the highly complex physics involved. Small gaps such as these should therefore be treated with caution. Rather than pinpointing their exact locations, the forecast indicates that breaks in the cloud cover may develop within the broader area.
The forecast for Iceland as a whole on Wednesday is as follows:
East and northeast winds of 3–10 m/s. Cloudy in many areas with intermittent rain. Mostly dry in western Iceland by evening. Temperatures of 8–18°C, coolest along the north and east coasts.
A precipitation forecast valid at 18:00 on Wednesday, showing in greater detail where rain is expected.
Weather outlook along the path of totality
Capital area
Rather light northeasterly winds, cloudy with rain. Little chance of breaks developing in the cloud cover.
Reykjanes Peninsula
A similar outlook to the capital area, with northeasterly winds and rain. Little chance of breaks developing in the cloud cover.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The current forecast indicates easterly winds with little precipitation, and many areas will remain completely dry. Skies will probably be cloudy, but there is a reasonable chance of isolated breaks in the cloud cover.
Westfjords
Rather light northeasterly winds and mostly dry conditions. Skies are likely to be brighter in the southern Westfjords than farther north, with a fairly good chance of breaks developing in the cloud cover. At present, most of the clouds are expected to be at mid and high levels, with less low cloud.