What does "8/8" cloud coverage mean?

The term "8/8" cloud coverage refers to a situation where the sky is completely covered by clouds. This is represented as a fraction, with the numerator indicating the amount of cloud cover and the denominator representing the total possible coverage. When both numbers are the same and equal to 8, it signifies that there is no break in the clouds, leading to the description of "overcast skies."

Understanding cloud coverage is essential for aviation operations, as it impacts visibility, flight planning, and weather conditions for safe drone operations. In contrast, terms like "clear skies," "few clouds," and "scattered clouds" indicate varying levels of cloud presence that are less than fully obstructive, which is not the case with "8/8" coverage.