Definition
The state of the sky as reported in an aviation weather observation, describing the amount of cloud coverage at each observed layer and the height of the base of each layer above the ground. Coverage is reported in eighths of the sky (oktas) using standard contractions: SKC or CLR (clear), FEW (few, more than 0 up to 2/8), SCT (scattered, 3/8 to 4/8), BKN (broken, 5/8 to 7/8), and OVC (overcast, 8/8). Layers reported as BKN or OVC constitute a ceiling.
Plain English
A standard way of describing how much of the sky is covered by clouds and how high those clouds are above the ground.
Context Anchor
Seen in METARs, ATIS broadcasts, and aviation weather briefings when checking the weather at or near an airport.
Why Pilots Care
Determines whether visual flight rules can be used and affects takeoff, landing, and route planning decisions.
Intuition Check
Sky condition does not mean the whole weather report or whether the weather is simply good or bad. In FAA weather observations, it specifically means the reported state of the sky overhead: cloud coverage, cloud height, and whether the sky is hidden.
Example Sentence 1
The METAR showed a sky condition of FEW030 SCT080, so the pilot expected scattered clouds with plenty of room to climb between layers.
Example Sentence 2
Clear sky conditions allowed the pilot to remain under visual flight rules.