One clue to help watch for 2m Es is the DXmaps website then click on the far right upper tab for the "MUF-SpE" map. It estimates the MUF from low band contacts and when you see an area with rising MUF into the 100+ range its a good signal of possible 2m Es in that direction (mid path), especially on FT8 (due to its weak signal capability). Here is the link: