What do the values in a TAF that denote cloud cover mean?

In a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), the values that denote cloud cover specifically indicate the amount of the sky that is covered by clouds, typically expressed in octas or tenths. This measurement helps pilots and meteorologists understand visibility conditions and the potential for weather-related impacts during flight operations.

Cloud cover is crucial for aviation because it affects not only visibility but also the potential for turbulence, precipitation, and the overall safety of flight operations. The TAFs provide this information to ensure pilots receive accurate and essential data for their flight plans and decision-making processes.

By understanding that the values reflect the extent of the sky obscured by clouds, one can better gauge how weather conditions might influence visibility and other critical flight parameters.