How much cloud cover does "broken clouds" refer to in METAR terms?

In METAR terminology, "broken clouds" refers to cloud cover that includes 5/8 to 7/8 of the sky covered by clouds. This classification is crucial for aviation and meteorology, as it provides essential information for flight operations and weather conditions.

When interpreting METAR reports, it's common to encounter various terms that describe cloud cover, such as "clear," "few," "scattered," "broken," and "overcast." The term "broken" specifically indicates that the clouds obscure a significant portion of the sky, signifying that the visibility at lower altitudes may be affected, but there might still be some breaks where the sky is visible. This range of cloud cover is important for pilots and meteorologists to assess potential weather impacts, such as turbulence or visibility issues during takeoff and landing.