Cloud Reporting

Question 1

SKC

Answer 1

“No cloud/Sky clear” used worldwide but in North America is used to indicate a human-generated report

Question 2

NCD

Answer 2

“Nil Cloud detected” automated METAR station has not detected any cloud, either due to a lack of it, or due to an error in the sensors

Question 3

CLR

Answer 3

“No clouds below 12,000 ft (3,700 m) (U.S.) or 25,000 ft (7,600 m) (Canada)”, used mainly within North America and indicates a station that is at least partly automated

Question 4

FEW

Answer 4

“Few” = 1–2 oktas

Question 5

SCT

Answer 5

“Scattered” = 3–4 oktas

Question 6

BKN

Answer 6

“Broken” = 5–7 oktas

Question 7

OVC

Answer 7

“Overcast” = 8 oktas, i.e., full cloud coverage

Question 8

VV

Answer 8

Clouds cannot be seen because of fog or heavy precipitation, so vertical visibility is given instead.

Question 9

“No cloud/Sky clear” used worldwide but in North America is used to indicate a human-generated report

Answer 9

SKC

Question 10

“Nil Cloud detected” automated METAR station has not detected any cloud, either due to a lack of it, or due to an error in the sensors

Answer 10

NCD

Question 11

“No clouds below 12,000 ft (3,700 m) (U.S.) or 25,000 ft (7,600 m) (Canada)”, used mainly within North America and indicates a station that is at least partly automated

Answer 11

CLR

Question 12

1–2 oktas

Answer 12

FEW

Question 13

3–4 oktas

Answer 13

SCT

Question 14

5–7 oktas

Answer 14

BKN

Question 15

8 oktas, i.e., full cloud coverage

Answer 15

OVC

Question 16

Clouds cannot be seen because of fog or heavy precipitation, so vertical visibility is given instead.

Answer 16

VV