What does "overcast" mean in relation to cloud cover?

"Overcast" specifically refers to conditions where the sky is completely covered by clouds, with no breaks or openings in the cloud cover. When reporting that the sky is overcast, it indicates that the entire sky is obscured, which can significantly impact visibility and weather conditions below. This term is commonly used in meteorological observations to describe a total cloud cover scenario, which can affect temperature, sunlight, and precipitation.

The other options describe varying levels of cloud cover that do not meet the criteria for overcast conditions. For instance, partly cloudy refers to a mix of clouds and clear patches, while clear skies indicate no significant cloud cover at all. Scattered clouds denote that clouds are present but not enough to block the sky entirely. Therefore, "overcast" being defined as the sky being entirely covered by clouds accurately captures the essence of this meteorological term.