Definition
In a METAR, SCT is a sky cover code indicating that clouds cover three-eighths to four-eighths (3/8 to 4/8) of the sky at the reported layer. It is reported with the height of the cloud base in hundreds of feet above the airport, for example SCT040 means a scattered layer with bases at 4,000 feet AGL.
Plain English
SCT means there are clouds covering between about a third and a half of the sky at that height. It is not a solid layer — there are clear gaps between the clouds.
Context Anchor
Seen in METAR cloud reports, often followed by a three-digit height group, such as SCT025.
Derivation
From the everyday word 'scattered,' meaning spread out with gaps between. The aviation use keeps that idea but pins it to a specific fraction of the sky — 3/8 to 4/8 covered.
Why Pilots Care
Scattered layers are not considered a ceiling under FAA rules, because less than half the sky is covered. That distinction matters for VFR planning, instrument approach minimums, and deciding whether a flight can be conducted under visual flight rules.
Grounding Statement
If you look up and see clouds covering roughly three to four parts out of eight equal parts of the sky, a METAR would report that layer as SCT.
Intuition Check
Scattered does not just mean “a few random clouds” in a METAR. It has a specific amount: 3/8 to 4/8 of the sky covered.
Example Sentence 1
The METAR reported SCT025, so the pilot expected a scattered cloud layer with bases at 2,500 feet above the field.
Example Sentence 2
With SCT conditions reported, the pilot continued under VFR.