With eight days left until the total solar eclipse in the DFW region, cities across the metroplex are planning for huge crowds of eclipse tourists and a significant increase in tourism revenue.
However, according to the latest forecasts, April 8th may not be the best conditions to watch this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Despite the potentially cloudy outlook, Dallas officials and businesses said they are looking forward to a successful day.
It was another busy afternoon at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas on Sunday.
City tourism leaders said this has been the case downtown for the past few days as talk of the impending solar eclipse reaches a fever pitch.
“We are currently tracking approximately 35% more business than we would normally do at this time of year,” said Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit Dallas.
On April 8, Dallas becomes the largest city in the country to experience a total power outage due to a solar eclipse.
Experts say eclipse tourism could boost business in the city by more than 40% for the week.
However, the latest forecast from NBC5's weather experts calls for April 8 to be partly cloudy with a chance of rain.
Dallas tourism leaders told NBC 5 they haven't seen widespread instances of people canceling plans at hotels because of the forecast.
And they were still feeling optimistic because they were already seeing significant business impact here.
“They say you can't change the weather, but we know that during a total solar eclipse, the entire sky darkens, so that's what you'll experience here. It'll be pitch black during the day,” Davis said. Told. “Then people will be able to experience it.”
HG Supply Co. in Dallas' Greenville neighborhood has been accepting reservations for April 8 on its rooftop for several weeks, and at least 250 people are expected to attend in total.
Philip Lee, the restaurant's assistant GM, said, “There will be a DJ event, and we will also have catered food in the evening, so we have plans in place.''
Restaurant employees said they have not seen any weather-related cancellations and plan to move forward with watch party plans come rain or shine.
“We still have a beautiful rooftop and it's going to be completely dark for three to four minutes, so it'll be useful for something,” Lee said. “But I don’t think that will eliminate the event.”
NBC 5's weather experts will be tracking conditions all week long on the day of the solar eclipse to help you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event.
