In METAR reports, what does "BKN" refer to?

In METAR reports, "BKN" stands for "broken clouds," which indicates that clouds are covering between 5/8 and 7/8 of the sky. This term is essential for pilots and meteorologists as it provides a clear understanding of sky conditions. The classification of cloud coverage in METAR reports gives a more granular view of weather conditions, crucial for flight operations and safety assessments.

Understanding the specific definitions of cloud coverage is vital. "BKN" differentiates itself from other terms; for example, "SCT" would refer to scattered clouds covering up to 3/8 of the sky, while "OVC" denotes fully overcast skies. Thus, knowing that "BKN" defines a range of cloud cover helps in interpreting the potential implications for visibility and aviation activities effectively.