SOLAR ECLIPSE ON MOON-DAY....

It's almost time for the total solar eclipse across North America on Moon-day, April 8th:

All eyes have been on the forecast for clouds, especially in the line of totality. Here's a look at the latest nationwide forecast from the Weather Prediction Center:

There has been some improvement in Arkansas and portions of Illinois and Indiana hopefully clear out in time. Southeast Iowa, northern Missouri and most of the rest of Illinois is looking mostly clear for the afternoon partial eclipse. Here's a look at the cloud cover on the HREF:

Here are some of the weather changes that can be experienced during an eclipse:

The clearing in the Midwest will come as a front sat across Iowa on Sunday. That led to storms and even a brief tornado in central Iowa that damaged barns. The front will lift north and leave us with a mild and quiet Monday:

The cold front will sweep through Monday night and send temperatures down a few degrees for Tuesday:

Temperatures will be back in the mid 60s Wednesday with clouds arriving on Thursday as a storm system moves through the central U.S. and cold front arrives. That will lead to some rain on Thursday in parts of the region:

The higher amounts likely remain off to the southeast of the Quad Cities area:

Temperatures will continue to warm through the end of the week and into the weekend, with some spring weather maybe finally settling in:

Here's to a quieter week up ahead... and remember your eclipse glasses!

Rebecca Kopelman