Could The Total Solar Eclipse Generate Convection?

On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will occur from coast to coast across the United States. This will be the first time since the county was founded that a total solar eclipse will only be visible from the United States, and it will be ninety-nine years since a total solar eclipse has swept across the entire country from coast to coast.

The areas that see a total solar eclipse will go into complete darkness during the afternoon hours (see if you will see a total solar eclipse and at what time HERE). The areas that witness complete darkness during the afternoon hours will see temperatures quickly drop due to the sun being obscured. This could impact the atmosphere a generate isolated convection if other atmospheric variables are favorable.

Cool air from areas witnessing the total solar eclipse could push outward towards areas where afternoon temperatures are not as heavily impacted by the eclipse. This cool air would act as a boundary and force air to rise, and in return convection may develop if there is no convection inhibiting layer of air above the surface. Of course, this is a hypothetical scenario since these events do not occur frequently, and many other atmospheric variables could influence whether convection develops. Nonetheless, it will be fun to keep an eye to the sky on the 21st for more than one reason!