Astronomy lovers may find heir enthusiasm dampened by weather forecasts. The National Meteorological Center is warning of rain and heavy cloud cover in the area where the total eclipse will be most visible.

Astronomy buffs and weather forecasters are keeping an eye on the weather. It's a determining factor in whether the once-in-a-lifetime event will be visible.

And there's bad news from the Meteorological authorities. The weather won't cooperate in some of the best viewing regions.

Dai Jianhua, Chief forecaster of Shanghai Metrological Bureau, said, "Heavy clouds and thunderstorms are forecast for Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region from 8 to 12 o'clock on Wednesday when the total solar eclipse occurs."

Heavy clouds will also cover parts of western China. But people in Hubei, Chengdu and Chongqing may have a chance to see the eclipse between the clouds.

Li Caiyuan, Chief forecaster of Shanghai Metrological Bureau, said, "There will be clouds on Wednesday morning, and rain in the afternoon. But clouds in northwestern Hubei will be heavier."

Northern and parts of Central China will be luckier. Sunny skies are forecast for Wednesday. But only a partial eclipse will be visible in those areas.