Which METAR code describes scattered clouds?

The METAR code that describes scattered clouds is SCT. In METAR reporting, SCT stands for "scattered clouds," which means that cloud coverage is present between 1/8 and 4/8 of the sky. This indicates a significant amount of open sky visible, but enough cloud cover exists to warrant reporting.

Understanding this term is essential for interpreting visibility and weather conditions. Scattered clouds often suggest that while there may be some cloud cover, it is not extensive enough to impede visibility significantly. In contrast, the other codes represent different levels of cloud cover. For instance, CLR indicates clear skies with no significant cloud cover, FEW represents clouds that cover 1/8 to 2/8 of the sky, and BKN describes broken clouds that cover between 5/8 and 7/8 of the sky. This distinction is critical for pilots and meteorologists when assessing weather conditions and making operational decisions.