What weather condition does "OVC" refer to in a METAR report?

The term "OVC" in a METAR report stands for "Overcast," which indicates that the sky is covered by clouds completely, typically with a cloud cover of 8/8ths. This condition signifies that there are no significant breaks in the cloud cover, and it can affect flight operations by reducing visibility and creating an environment for potential weather phenomena, such as precipitation or turbulence beneath the overcast layer.

In the context of aviation, understanding cloud cover is crucial for pilots and drone operators since it impacts both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). Being aware of an overcast condition helps in determining the necessary precautions before a flight, as it can lead to changes in visibility and may require reliance on instrument navigation. This understanding of "OVC" is, therefore, essential for safe and compliant flight operations.