''Blood Worm Moon' US Weather Forecast: Top Spots to View Tonight's Total Lunar Eclipse''

Most of the U.S. will have at least partial glimpses of tonight’s total lunar eclipse, with about three-quarters of the nation expected to see the moon as it moves through Earth's shadow. The total eclipse begins at 2:26 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday (11:26 p.m. Pacific Time tonight or 06:26 GMT) and will last for 66 minutes.

The best viewing conditions are expected across the lower Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Central Plains, and Texas, where skies should remain relatively clear. However, a major storm system moving out of the Northern and Central Rockies will bring widespread clouds and precipitation from Montana south to eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, likely obstructing the view in those areas.

Cloud cover will also pose challenges for eclipse watchers along the Pacific coast of Washington, Oregon, and northern and central California, where a marine layer of low clouds is expected at eclipse time. Similarly, low clouds are likely to obscure the moon along the Gulf Coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and parts of South Florida.

Along the I-95 corridor from the Virginia Capes to Downeast Maine, an offshore weather disturbance will generate northeast winds, pulling in low clouds from the cool Atlantic. This could block the view for major cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. However, those willing to travel a short distance inland to the west or north may find clearer skies for a better view of the eclipse.

We have prepared a map of the U.S. which shows those regions where sky conditions look the best ... and worst, for eclipse watchers. We have broken things down into three categories:

GOOD: Cloud cover ranges from clear to scattered cloud cover; generally, no more than 30%.

FAIR: Cloud cover ranges from scattered to broken cloud cover; generally, 30% to no more than 70%. In spite of the existing clouds, there probably will be large breaks and openings that will allow for periodic views of the moon going into eclipse.

POOR: Cloud cover ranges from 70% to complete overcast. At worse, a complete shut-out of the eclipse. At best, perhaps some occasional views of the moon similar to what poet Alfred Noyes described in "The Highwaymen":

"The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas."

For the most up-to-date information regarding local weather conditions, consult your nearest National Weather Service Forecast Office. Additionally, you may access real-time satellite imagery of your region, provided by the GOES-16 weather satellite, for a comprehensive meteorological overview.

Should adverse weather conditions obstruct visibility tonight, the next opportunity for observers in North America to witness a total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026.

For those interested in capturing photographic documentation of this celestial event, refer to our detailed guide on how to photograph a lunar eclipse, which provides technical recommendations and best practices.

Editor's Note: If you successfully capture images of the total lunar eclipse and wish to share them with the readership of Space.com, you are encouraged to submit your photographs, along with your name, location, and any accompanying comments, to spacephotos@space.com.

Joe Rao, an esteemed astronomy educator and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium, regularly contributes to esteemed publications such as Natural History magazine and Sky & Telescope, offering expert insights into astronomical phenomena.