The UK will experience a partial solar eclipse on 12 August, with London expected to see roughly 90% of the sun obscured at the event's peak. The phenomenon begins at 18:17, lasts about 1 hour 49 minutes and reaches its maximum in London at approximately 19:13.
Long‑range outlook and what forecasters say
Long-range guidance from the Met Office suggests a broadly more settled spell by mid‑August, raising hopes for clearer skies compared with the typically cloudier autumn and winter months. The long-term note included the following expectations:
"Temperatures closer to average, still the potential for some warmer interludes, especially in the south, although perhaps not the heat we have seen in recent weeks."
"Dry and settled conditions will probably dominate much of this period."
Those projections increase the chance that London may enjoy a view of the partial eclipse, but the Met Office and national forecasters caution that reliable, location‑specific sky forecasts are only possible in the days leading up to the event.
Timing and what Londoners can expect
Key timings for the eclipse are:
| Event | Time (BST) |
|---|---|
| Start of eclipse | 18:17 |
| Maximum eclipse in London | 19:13 |
| End of eclipse | 20:06 |
Despite the high fraction of solar coverage — about nine tenths across London — cloud cover will be the deciding factor for visibility. Historical context: the UK last experienced an eclipse with this level of coverage in 1999, when many locations recorded overcast skies.
Practical considerations
- Monitor forecasts in the 48–72 hours before 12 August for the most reliable sky outlook.
- Plan outdoor viewing with contingency for cloud; urban locations often have microclimates that can differ from regional guidance.
- If travelling to view the event, check local weather updates and transport arrangements as the date approaches.
InfoRadar will update the forecast as the event nears, providing more precise probabilities for clear skies in London and other UK locations.
