A scattered cloud refers to a cloud cover condition where clouds cover one-tenth to one-half of the sky.
In simpler terms, when we describe the cloud cover as "scattered," it means that you can see a fair amount of blue sky interspersed with clouds. It's less cloudy than "broken" or "overcast" but cloudier than "few" or "clear."
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Coverage: Scattered clouds obscure between 1/10 and 5/10 of the sky.
- Impression: Gives the impression of a mix of sunshine and clouds.
- Weather implications: Typically associated with partly sunny or partly cloudy conditions.
| Cloud Coverage Term | Sky Coverage Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | 0% | No clouds visible. |
| Few | 1/8 to 2/8 | Only a small amount of clouds are present. |
| Scattered | 3/8 to 4/8 | Clouds cover one-tenth to one-half of the sky. |
| Broken | 5/8 to 7/8 | More than half the sky is covered by clouds. |
| Overcast | 8/8 | The entire sky is covered by clouds. |
So, when you hear the term "scattered clouds" in a weather forecast, expect to see a mix of sun and clouds in the sky.
