Definition
The amount of the sky obscured by clouds or other obscuring phenomena, reported in eighths (oktas) on a surface analysis chart and represented by the degree to which the station circle is filled in.
Plain English
How much of the sky overhead is covered by cloud, shown on weather charts as a circle that is filled in more or less depending on how cloudy it is.
Context Anchor
Seen on surface analysis charts in the small circle symbol for each weather reporting station.
Why Pilots Care
It shows whether a pilot can expect visual conditions or may need instruments.
Grounding Statement
If most of the station circle is filled in, most of the sky at that location is covered; if little or none is filled in, little or none of the sky is covered.
Intuition Check
Sky cover does not mean the same thing as visibility or cloud height. It means how much of the sky is covered or hidden at the reporting location.
Example Sentence 1
The station circle on the chart was completely filled in, indicating overcast sky cover at that reporting station.
Example Sentence 2
With clear sky cover reported at the airport, departure under visual rules was straightforward.