How is SKC used in a METAR report?

SKC (Sky Clear) appears in the weather phenomena section of a METAR. Examples include: SKC, SKC A3002, SKC 10SM. It falls under the "Sky Condition" category.

What METAR codes are related to SKC?

Codes related to SKC (Sky Clear) include: CLR (Clear Below 12,000), FEW (Few Clouds). These are often seen together in METAR weather observations.

Sky Condition

SKC—Sky Clear

Q: What does SKC mean in a METAR?

SKC stands for "Sky Clear" in a METAR weather report. Indicates that the sky is completely clear with no clouds at any altitude. SKC is used when a human observer reports clear skies. This represents 0/8 cloud coverage. A sky clear report means excellent VFR conditions with respect to cloud cover.

METAR weather code reference for SKC (Sky Clear)

What Does SKC Mean?

Indicates that the sky is completely clear with no clouds at any altitude. SKC is used when a human observer reports clear skies. This represents 0/8 cloud coverage. A sky clear report means excellent VFR conditions with respect to cloud cover.

Examples in METAR Reports

Here are common ways SKC appears in real METAR observations:

SKC

SKC A3002

SKC 10SM

Related Codes

These METAR codes are commonly seen alongside SKC or describe related weather phenomena:

CLR

Clear Below 12,000

Used exclusively by automated stations (ASOS/AWOS) to indicate that no clouds were detected below 12,000 feet AGL. The sensor cannot detect clouds above that altitude, so CLR does not guarantee clear skies above 12,000 feet. Pilots planning flights above 12,000 feet should consult additional weather sources.

FEW

Few Clouds

Cloud coverage of 1/8 to 2/8 of the sky. Few clouds indicate mostly clear conditions and are not considered a ceiling. Followed by a three-digit height in hundreds of feet AGL (e.g., FEW050 means few clouds at 5,000 feet). FEW conditions are VFR-friendly and pose minimal obstruction.

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