Ready for an eclipse? Plus wild temperature swings on the way

We are nearing our next eclipse and this one WILL be visible across the Plains. The last one we had back in May was only partially visible because the moon went down before we really had a chance to enjoy it. However, a lunar eclipse is coming up November 19th (Friday) and here are the times you need to look (it's going to require an alarm clock for most of us). 

• Begins at 1:18 AM (CST)
• Max coverage by Earth's shadow: 3:02 AM
• All over with: 4:47 AM

Technically, it's a PARTIAL lunar eclipse, but it's very close to being a total. Only about 2% of the moon will not be covered by the Earth's shadow (or umbra), so that's why we can't consider it a total eclipse. The entire thing from start to finish is 6 hours, but I'm guessing you don't want to give up your entire night of sleep. What I would recommend is setting an alarm for 3 A.M. which is when the eclipse reaches its maximum, watch for about 5 minutes, and then call it good. Unlike a solar eclipse, this kind of eclipse is more common and we will get to see a TOTAL coming up May 15/16, 2022. And there will be another one in 2025. Mark your calendars. 😀

We finally have our hard freeze lined up for Saturday morning:

Our third full week of November will be marked by more big temperature changes. First, the warm weather happening Monday/Tuesday. Highs will break 70° in many areas by Tuesday.

Then a midweek cold front hits with little or NO rain likely for this area. However, much chillier weather will follow for the second half of the week. What we lack in rain we will make up for in colder temperatures.

 

Have a great weekend. The Thanksgiving forecast is coming into view and it really doesn't look that bad for Kansas and surrounding areas this year. Right now, still looking like highs in the 40s and 50s.