Overcast vs. Cloudy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on June 24, 2024
Overcast signifies complete cloud cover with no visible sun, while cloudy indicates partial cloud cover with the possibility of some sun being visible.
Difference Between Overcast and Cloudy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Overcast conditions mean the sky is entirely covered by clouds, which leads to a lack of direct sunlight and often a dull, gray appearance. This can affect temperatures by keeping them cooler compared to clear days. Cloudy, on the other hand, indicates that there are clouds in the sky, but it doesn't necessarily cover the entire sky. There can be varying degrees of cloudiness, from partly cloudy to mostly cloudy.
In weather forecasting, overcast is a specific term that indicates 100% cloud cover. This can be associated with an impending storm or prolonged rain. Cloudy is a more general term that can describe anything from a few clouds to a sky that is nearly overcast, providing a broader range of possible sky conditions.
Overcast skies usually result in a consistent light level throughout the day, creating a uniform, diffuse lighting that minimizes shadows. Cloudy conditions can result in a more variable light level, as the amount of cloud cover can change throughout the day, allowing for periods of sunshine and shadow.
The term overcast often implies a lack of visibility of the sun and can be linked to a specific weather system such as a front. Cloudy conditions, while they can include overcast, generally allow for some visibility of the sun and can occur in a variety of weather situations, from stable high-pressure systems to unsettled low-pressure systems.
Comparison Chart
Sky Coverage
90-100% of the sky covered by clouds
70-90% of the sky covered by clouds
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Sun Visibility
Little to no direct sunlight
Sun may be visible intermittently
Sky Appearance
Sky looks like a continuous blanket of clouds
Clouds are scattered, allowing some blue sky to be seen
Lighting
Generally dimmer due to the dense cloud cover
Brighter compared to overcast as some sunlight gets through
Mood Association
Often associated with gloominess or monotony
Can be associated with variability or change
Compare with Definitions
Overcast
Fully covered with clouds; no clear sky visible.
The picnic was dampened by the overcast sky.
Cloudy
Obscure or uncertain.
The future of the project seems cloudy.
Overcast
Gloomy or somber in appearance.
His mood was as overcast as the weather outside.
Cloudy
Not clear or transparent.
The cloudy water made swimming uninviting.
Overcast
Overcast or overcast weather, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization, is the meteorological condition of clouds obscuring at least 95% of the sky. However, the total cloud cover must not be entirely due to obscuring phenomena near the surface, such as fog.Overcast, written as "OVC" in the METAR observation, is reported when the cloud cover is observed to equal eight oktas (eighths).
Cloudy
Filled with or covered by clouds.
The forecast predicts a cloudy day ahead.
Overcast
Covered or obscured, as with clouds or mist.
Cloudy
Confused or unclear in thought.
His judgment was cloudy after the long night.
Overcast
Clouded over.
Cloudy
Full of gloom or pessimism.
The news cast a cloudy mood over the gathering.
Overcast
Gloomy; melancholy.
Cloudy
Full of or covered with clouds; overcast.
Overcast
Sewn with long, overlying stitches in order to prevent raveling, as the raw edges of fabric.
Cloudy
Of or like a cloud or clouds.
Overcast
A covering, as of mist or clouds.
Cloudy
Marked with indistinct masses or streaks
Cloudy marble.
Overcast
An arch or support for a passage over another passage in a mine.
Cloudy
Not transparent, as certain liquids.
Overcast
A cast made in fishing that falls beyond the point intended.
Cloudy
Open to more than one interpretation.
Overcast
An overcast stitch or seam.
Cloudy
Not clearly perceived or perceptible.
Overcast
To make cloudy or gloomy.
Cloudy
Troubled; gloomy
His future at the company is cloudy.
Overcast
To cast beyond (the intended point) with a fishing rod.
Cloudy
Covered with or characterised by clouds; overcast.
Overcast
To sew with long, overlying stitches.
Cloudy
Not transparent or clear.
Overcast
To become cloudy or gloomy.
Cloudy
(of fruit juice) Containing pith
Overcast
A cloud covering all of the sky from horizon to horizon.
Cloudy
Uncertain; unclear.
Overcast
(obsolete) An outcast.
Cloudy
Using or relating to cloud computing.
A cloudy infrastructure
Overcast
Covered with clouds; overshadowed; darkened; (meteorology) more than 90% covered by clouds.
Cloudy
Shady; sketchy; suspicious
Overcast
(figuratively) In a state of depression; gloomy; melancholy.
Cloudy
Overcast or obscured with clouds; clouded; as, a cloudy sky.
Overcast
To overthrow.
Cloudy
Consisting of a cloud or clouds.
As Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended.
Overcast
(transitive) To cover with cloud; to overshadow; to darken.
Cloudy
Indicating gloom, anxiety, sullenness, or ill-nature; not open or cheerful.
Overcast
(transitive) To make gloomy; to depress.
Cloudy
Confused; indistinct; obscure; dark.
Cloudy and confused notions of things.
Overcast
To be or become cloudy.
Cloudy
Lacking clearness, brightness, or luster.
Overcast
To transform.
Cloudy
Marked with veins or sports of dark or various hues, as marble.
Overcast
To fasten (sheets) by overcast stitching or by folding one edge over another.
Cloudy
Lacking definite form or limits;
Gropes among cloudy issues toward a feeble conclusion
Nebulous distinction between pride and conceit
Overcast
To cast or cover over; hence, to cloud; to darken.
Those clouds that overcast your morn shall fly.
Cloudy
(of especially liquids) clouded as with sediment;
A cloudy liquid
Muddy coffee
Murky waters
Overcast
To compute or rate too high.
Cloudy
Full of or covered with clouds;
Cloudy skies
Overcast
To take long, loose stitches over (the raw edges of a seam) to prevent raveling.
Overcast
To fasten, as single sheets, by overcast stitching or by folding one edge over another.
Overcast
Completely or almost completely covered over with clouds; - of the sky.
Overcast
Sewn by overcasting.
Overcast
The state of the sky when it is covered by clouds
Overcast
Gloomy semidarkness caused by cloud cover
Overcast
A long whip stitch or overhand stitch overlying an edge to prevent raveling
Overcast
A cast that falls beyond the intended spot
Overcast
Make overcast or cloudy;
Fall weather often overcasts our beaches
Overcast
Sew over the edge of with long slanting wide stitches
Overcast
Sew with an overcast stitch from one section to the next;
Overcast books
Overcast
Filled or abounding with clouds
Overcast
A sewing stitch used to prevent fraying.
She used an overcast stitch to finish the raw edge of the fabric.
Overcast
Overwhelmed or overshadowed.
His excitement was overcast by the news of the storm.
Overcast
Marked by a state of dullness or depression.
Her overcast expression mirrored the darkening sky.
Common Curiosities
Can you see the sun during cloudy weather?
Yes, the sun may be visible intermittently during cloudy weather.
What defines an overcast sky?
An overcast sky is when clouds cover 90-100% of the sky, with little to no direct sunlight.
Do cloudy skies affect outdoor activities?
They can, as they might indicate a chance of rain or reduced sunlight.
Does a cloudy sky mean it's going to be cold?
Not necessarily, cloudy conditions can occur in both cold and warm weather.
Is overcast a specific type of cloud?
No, overcast refers to the extent of cloud coverage, not the type of cloud.
Is overcast weather always associated with rain?
Not always, but overcast skies can often indicate impending rain.
Can overcast conditions affect mood?
Yes, overcast conditions are often associated with gloominess or melancholy.
Can there be variations in cloudiness?
Yes, cloudiness can range from few clouds to mostly cloudy conditions.
Is overcast the same as foggy?
No, overcast refers to cloud coverage high in the sky, while fog is a low-lying cloud.
Can cloudiness indicate weather patterns?
Yes, the type and extent of cloudiness can indicate different weather patterns.
Do overcast conditions affect photography?
Yes, overcast skies can provide diffused lighting, which is favorable for photography.
Is there a specific term for partly cloudy?
Yes, it's often referred to as "partly cloudy" or "partly sunny" depending on the context.
Does overcast affect visibility in aviation?
Yes, overcast conditions can significantly reduce visibility for pilots.
Are overcast and cloudy used interchangeably?
They are related but not interchangeable; overcast implies more extensive cloud coverage.
Can cloudiness impact solar energy production?
Yes, cloudy conditions can reduce the efficiency of solar panels.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
