The image that accompanies this information recreates how the total solar eclipse of August 12 might look if a layer of low clouds and smoke were to interpose before the star: the dark disk of the Moon would appear surrounded by a faint glow, blurred among gray, ochre, and orange tones. The actual result, however, will depend on the thickness and height of the clouds in each locality.
The recreation has been generated through artificial intelligence and does not represent the forecast for a specific point. The latest special prediction from AEMET, prepared this Wednesday at 11:50 a.m., points to mostly clear or slightly cloudy skies in most of Spain, although it maintains areas where cloud cover could hinder observation.
This is how the eclipse will look with high clouds
High and thin clouds do not have to ruin the eclipse. AEMET itself points out that, in most cases, they will allow it to be observed, although their presence may reduce the sharpness of some details.
During the partial phase, the Sun may appear as a whitish or orange disk from which the Moon is removing a portion. In totality, within the corresponding strip, the dark lunar circle and the corona may still be visible, but with a more diffuse appearance. The diamond ring, Baily's beads, and the structures of the corona would appear less defined.
What will happen if there are low and dense clouds
The scenario changes if the clouds are low, dense, and continuous. In that case, they can completely hide both the solar disk and the corona, especially since the eclipse of 2026 will occur with the Sun very close to the horizon.
Even if the eclipsed Sun is not visible, it will still be possible to perceive the phenomenon. The National Geographic Institute explains that totality causes a sharp decrease in light, similar to a very advanced sunset, and a rapid drop in temperature. Under a covered sky, that sudden darkness can be the main indication.
If the cloud cover is fragmented, the eclipse will appear and disappear among the clearings. A few seconds of opening can make the difference between seeing the corona or not seeing it.
Where it is most likely that clouds will hide the eclipse
AEMET forecasts for the time of the eclipse cloudy or overcast skies with low cloudiness in the Cantabrian area and the north of Galicia, mainly near the coast. These are the areas where a compact layer presents a higher risk of blocking the Sun.
During the afternoon, clouds will also grow in the northern mountains and the eastern third, with possible showers or storms in the eastern Pyrenees, the Iberian range of Teruel, the east of Castilla-La Mancha, and the eastern Betic Systems.
In the Mediterranean arc and southern Andalusia, high clouds may appear, which would generally allow following the eclipse. In the Canary Islands, intervals of low clouds are expected in the north of the islands with greater relief. In the rest, clear skies will prevail.
The observer's location is not the only factor. As the Sun will be very low, it will be necessary to watch for clouds located to the west and slightly to the north, even when they are several kilometers away. A clear sky overhead does not guarantee that the horizon is free.
The smoke from the fires is not the same as a cloud
The image incorporates smoke to show a particularly unfavorable scenario. Its particles can reduce visibility and scatter light, favoring reddish, yellow, or coppery tones.
However, AEMET has not stated that the smoke from the fires will cover the eclipse. The Agency warns of a very high or extreme fire danger in much of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, but that indicator does not confirm the presence of smoke over a locality.
The image should be presented as a recreation of what would happen if cloudiness and smoke coincided, not as a preview of the conditions across Spain.