Eclipse day is here. What to expect as 'magical' event unfolds in Hamilton and Niagara

A total eclipse of a lifetime will slide into sight for hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents in the Hamilton-Niagara region Monday. 

That is, if the forecasted clouds break in time, says Michelle Millen, 36.

She's been keeping an eye on the weather as she, her two kids, husband, parents and grandparents watch from their Fonthill, Ont., farm in the Niagara Region. 

"I hope it clears up at the right moment," Millen said. "I have a feeling it will." 

But even if the total eclipse isn't completely visible, the celestial event feels "magical," she said.

"Anytime you can get kids outside and excited about nature, to me that's the main draw. It's something you can do together," Millen said.

"With all the worry and strife that's going on, it's nice to focus and get excited about something that's uncontroversial." 

Hamilton resident Kim Dunlop said her family's excitement is also mounting. Her two kids have practiced using pinhole projectors made from cereal boxes, and hope to reflect the eclipse off a disco ball — if the skies are clear.

They'll be watching the eclipse in their backyard.

"Hopefully we have a good view of it," she said. 

Environment Canada predicts Monday will be "mainly cloudy" in Hamilton, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. The Weather Network provides a sliver of hope with "sunny breaks" forecasted. 

Regardless of weather, the region will be busy. Here's what you need to know to make the most of the total solar eclipse: 

On Monday, parts of the continent will witness a partial solar eclipse, as the moon moves between the earth and sun, blocking the star's light.

But if you're in the narrower path of totality, the moon will fully block the sun, known as a total eclipse. You may feel a change in temperature and witness a period of night-like darkness.