February 20, 2026 10:02 AM

Total Lunar Eclipse Watch the Moon Turn Red on Late Thursday Night

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> In the lead-up to the total lunar eclipse coming to Southern California on Thursday night weather could be a major factor in seeing it.

Lunar eclipses happen when the moon, Earth and sun align just so. The Earth casts a shadow that can partially or totally blot out the moon (turns the moon red) so-called blood moon.

Advice for Viewing:

If skies are clear, the eclipse will be visible to the unaided eye from anywhere in continental United States. It is safe to view a lunar eclipse without any eye protection. You do not need a telescope to see a lunar eclipse. Just go outside and look up to the southeast.

Weather Forecast:

This year the odds are against the wall with most cloudy to partly cloudy skies with a 50% chance of rain showers for the Inland Empire Valley, according to the Southern California Weather Force. The High Desert cities will be the best spot to see the total lunar eclipse with no street lights and its darker skies. The desert weather will be party cloudy skies with a chance of rain showers.

Time of the lunar eclipse:

11:26 p.m.    Total eclipse begins Thursday night.

11:59 p.m.    Greatest Eclipse.

12:31 a.m.    Total eclipse ends Friday morning.

The next total lunar eclipse visible in Southern California will occur on March 3-4, 2026.

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Cajon Pass
10:02 am, Feb 20, 2026
temperature icon 37°F
overcast clouds
Humidity: 64 %
Pressure: 1017 mb
Wind: 7 mph
Wind Gust: 13 mph
Clouds: 94%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:29 am
Sunset: 5:37 pm
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