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3 Answers

How to tell if there is a clear sky above BKN/OVC

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Weather

Is it clear skies above BKN/OVC layers unless there is another BKN/OVC layer above that? How would you know how tall the cloud layers were?

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3 Answers



  1. Dan S. on Feb 23, 2015

    The best place to find info on clouds is in the Area Forecast. It will provide predicted cloud types, coverage, and tops. But the most accurate reports are going to be found in PIREPs (pilot reports), if any are available for your area. You can find both of these at Aviationweather.gov.

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  2. Dmitriy on Feb 23, 2015

    While PIREPs may be the most accurate, an Area Forecast is unfortunately not updated enough for the most accurate information (especially in areas of quickly changing weather).

    The most accurate information you can get about cloud tops is from satellite imagery. Check the visible and infrared satellite images (loops are even better), compare them with temperatures aloft, and you can actually get a very accurate measurement of where the cloud tops are, and where they are going to be.

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  3. Jim F. on Feb 23, 2015

    Go and check it out for yourself! That’s my preferred method… lol

    Yeah, the PIREPs will be the most precise. Sometimes the reporting station can see an overcast layer through a broken layer, but that’s all you’ll get. Won’t know if there’s another layer above the first overcast.

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