cloudy

Cloudy is an adjective describing sky conditions in which clouds cover a substantial portion of the sky, reducing direct sunlight and often moderating temperatures. It is a common term in weather reporting and everyday speech to indicate diminished brightness and diffuse light.

In meteorology, cloud cover is quantified by scales such as the oktas system, which divides the sky into eight equal parts. 0 oktas means a clear sky, while 8 oktas indicates an overcast sky. Forecasts use terms like partly cloudy (roughly 3–4 oktas), mostly cloudy (5–7 oktas), or overcast (8 oktas) to convey expected coverage.

Cloudiness can result from various cloud types. Stratiform clouds, including stratus, stratocumulus, and nimbostratus, form broad, relatively uniform layers that produce widespread gray sky. Cumuliform clouds such as cumulus and cumulonimbus can contribute to cloudy conditions as well, especially when they cover large portions of the sky or develop vertically. High clouds like cirrus may accompany clouds but often contribute to a lighter, more wispy appearance rather than dense brightness.

The presence of cloud cover affects daylight, temperature, humidity, and visibility. Cloudy days typically reduce solar radiation and can lead to cooler daytime conditions, though clouds may also retain heat at night, depending on their thickness and moisture. Cloudiness is closely tied to weather systems and can accompany or precede precipitation, but a cloudy sky does not guarantee rain.

In common usage, cloudy can also be used metaphorically to describe unclear or uncertain situations.