What measurement indicates how many layers of clouds are covering the sky?

The measurement that indicates how many layers of clouds are covering the sky is cloud cover. Cloud cover refers to the fraction or percentage of the sky that is obscured by clouds when viewed from a particular point. This measurement provides essential information about weather conditions and helps to understand the potential for precipitation, as well as the overall appearance of the sky.

Cloud cover is typically reported in oktas (eighths of the sky) or as a percentage and is crucial for weather forecasting, as it influences temperature and impacts solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface. In contrast, cloud height refers to the altitude at which clouds form, visibility distance relates to how far one can see in certain weather conditions, and weather phenomena encompass events like thunderstorms or snowfall rather than describing the amount of cloud cover.