Cloud Reporting
Cloud coverage is reported by the number of 'oktas' (eighths) of the sky that is occupied by cloud.
This is reported as:
- SKC = 'No cloud/Sky clear' used worldwide but in North America is used to indicate a human generated report
- CLR = 'No clouds below 12,000 ft (3,700 m) (US) or 10,000 ft (3,000 m) (Canada)' used mainly within North America and indicates a station that is at least partly automated
- NSC = 'No (nil) significant cloud' (i.e. none below 5,000 ft (1,500 m) and no TCU or CB) not used in North America
- FEW = 'Few' = 1-2 oktas
- SCT = 'Scattered' = 3-4 oktas
- BKN = 'Broken' = 5-7 oktas
- OVC = 'Overcast' = 8 oktas (ie full cloud coverage)
Read more about this topic: METAR
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