What does the METAR observation indicate if the sky is reported as OVC005?

What does the METAR observation indicate if the sky is reported as OVC005?

• A. Clear skies at 5,000 feet
• B. Overcast clouds at 500 feet AGL
• C. Clouds scattered at 5,000 feet
• D. Broken clouds at 500 feet AGL

Answer: (B)

The METAR observation that indicates "OVC005" refers to overcast clouds at 500 feet above ground level (AGL). In aviation weather reporting, "OVC" stands for "overcast," which means that cloud cover is complete, obscuring the sky completely, and there are no breaks or gaps in the cloud layer. The "005" signifies the cloud base height, which is 500 feet AGL. This information is crucial for pilots as it provides insight into visibility conditions and potential weather-related challenges during flight operations. An overcast condition at such a low altitude implies limited vertical visibility and may necessitate the use of instruments for navigation and landing, depending on the specific circumstances of the flight. In contrast, the other options describe different cloud conditions that do not align with the "overcast" designation or the specific altitude indicated in the METAR.

The METAR observation that indicates "OVC005" refers to overcast clouds at 500 feet above ground level (AGL). In aviation weather reporting, "OVC" stands for "overcast," which means that cloud cover is complete, obscuring the sky completely, and there are no breaks or gaps in the cloud layer. The "005" signifies the cloud base height, which is 500 feet AGL.

This information is crucial for pilots as it provides insight into visibility conditions and potential weather-related challenges during flight operations. An overcast condition at such a low altitude implies limited vertical visibility and may necessitate the use of instruments for navigation and landing, depending on the specific circumstances of the flight.

In contrast, the other options describe different cloud conditions that do not align with the "overcast" designation or the specific altitude indicated in the METAR.