Training Guide in Surface Weather Observations - Multiple Choices

OUTLINE
DETERMINING SKY COVER AMOUNTS
(Summation Procedure)
From as many points as necessary to view the celestial dome, observe sky amounts as follows:
1. Determine which layer is the lowest. If this layer is surface-based, only those portions that hide
the sky are considered as sky cover.
2. Estimate (to eighths) the amount of sky covered by the lowest layer. When practical, use the
Sky Cover Evaluation table.
3. Determine the next higher layer of clouds or obscuring phenomenon. Estimate the eighths of
sky covered by that layer in combination with the lower layer.
4. Repeat step 3 for each higher layer, estimating eighths of sky covered by that layer in
combination with all lower layers.
5. From Table 5-1 on page 5-2, select the sky cover contraction corresponding to the eighths of
each layer determined in steps 2, 3, and 4.
5-22