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Maps show when and where Vermont's best solar eclipse views will be

Latest solar eclipse forecast for New England and what to know about totality
Latest solar eclipse forecast for New England and what to know about totality 22:49

BURLINGTON, Vt. - When the total solar eclipse takes place, one of the best spots to see this historic event will be in Vermont, where the weather looks to cooperate. Here's a map showing where totality will occur, and what time it will happen.

Vermont solar eclipse path of totality map

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WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston

The southern edge of the path of totality line passes right through the towns of Middlebury, Northfield and Barre. You will need to get just north of these areas. 

Cities and towns that will see a 100% total eclipse include:

  • Burlington
  • Montpelier
  • St. Johnsbury
  • Newport
  • Greensboro
  • Waterbury
  • Essex Junction
  • Montgomery
  • Barton
  • Folsom
  • Marshfield
  • Morristown
  • Hinesburg
  • Milton
  • St. Albans

Popular Vermont communities to the south like Rutland, Springfield, Bennington and Brattleboro are just slightly outside the path of totality. But even 99% totality is NOT ENOUGH to get the full experience of seeing a total eclipse. 

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WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston

Hoping to hit the slopes for the eclipse? Ski Vermont says "lodging at Vermont's ski areas is booked, with few exceptions." Anyone heading north is advised to arrive early. 

Places to stay in Stow have a 99% occupancy rate, and area bed and breakfasts began selling out a year ago. Some of the cheapest rooms still available start at $500, an inn owner tells WBZ-TV.

Eclipse tourists flocking to Vermont for April 8 after a weak winter 02:14

Vermont had a view of a partial eclipse in 2017, seeing about 60% of the sun obscured by the moon.

Vermont total solar eclipse timeline

burlington-eclipse.jpg
WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston

In western parts of Vermont like Middlebury and Burlington, the eclipse gets underway starting at 2:14 p.m. On the eastern side in places like St. Johnsbury, it will start at 2:16 p.m.

Burlington will be in darkness (totality) for 3 minutes and 19 seconds, starting at 3:26 p.m. If you're flying in for the show, the FAA warns that the Burlington International Airport could see delays. 

The entire event from start to finish lasts just over 2 hours, concluding at about 4:37 p.m.

Vermont cloud cover forecast for April 8

Historically, the data shows that New England is very likely to have a cloudy day in early April. However, the latest forecast gives us reason to be optimistic that there will not be any major storminess or cloud cover in the region.

There will be a warm front stretching across the Upper Midwest and through the Great Lakes on Monday, bringing some high clouds into the region.   

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CBS Boston

Though the clouds could add a bit of a white haze, it's not likely that it will completely block the show.

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