TODAY’S weather is expected to be overcast and cloudy for most of the morning, partially obscuring the view of the rare solar eclipse.

Stroud is set to be covered by a blanket of cloud with moderate to low visibility for much of the morning, according to the Met Office.

This comes as bad news to fans of the rare astronomical event, who will have to wait another 16 years to see another solar eclipse.

The phenomenon is set to start about 8.30am in Gloucestershire and peak about 9.35am.

A path across the earth's surface will be plunged into darkness as sun is partially covered by the moon.

In parts of the county, the sun is expected to be covered by up to 83 per cent, but the exact moment of greatest darkness for UK sky watchers will be dependent on the location.

The locations which will see the period of greatest darkness are the Norwegian Sea, northern Scandinavia and the Faroe Islands.

Experts have warned not to look at the sun directly as it could lead to permanent eye damage.

Anyone hoping to watch the eclipse is advised to have eclipse viewing glasses or a pinhole camera.

The cloud is expected to clear this afternoon, with temperatures set to reach 12 °.