How do you determine the ceiling in a TAF report?

The ceiling in a TAF report is defined as the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer or the vertical visibility when clouds are not present at the reporting station. This definition is crucial for understanding aviation conditions, as it directly impacts flight operations, particularly during approaches and landings.

Broken clouds are defined as having between 5/8 and 7/8 coverage of the sky, while overcast clouds provide full coverage. By focusing on the lowest of these layers, pilots and air traffic controllers can assess the height at which they may encounter cloud cover, which is vital for safe navigation and flight planning.

The concept of a ceiling does not involve the cumulative height of cloud layers, as that wouldn't provide a clear understanding of the lowest point of cloud cover that could affect visibility and flight safety. The average height of all reported cloud layers does not accurately reflect where a pilot might begin to encounter significant cloud formations, which further emphasizes why the correct definition focuses solely on the lowest broken or overcast layer. Therefore, option B accurately captures the key informational nuance necessary for interpreting ceiling data in TAF reports.