Overcast

For other uses, see Overcast (disambiguation).

A completely overcast sky

Overcast or overcast weather, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization, is the meteorological condition of clouds obscuring all of the sky. Overcast, written as "OVC" in the METAR observation, is reported when the cloud cover is observed to equal eight oktas (eighths).

Sometimes clouds can be different colors such as black or white, but the word usually refers to grey.^{[citation needed]} In some cases, it can be impossible to see distinct borders of clouds or the sky may be covered by a single type of cloud, such as stratus and the whole sky will be a dull white.

Periods of overcast weather can range from a few hours to several days. Overcast weather can also affect people suffering from seasonal affective disorder.

See also

• Diffuse reflection