Partly Cloudy vs. Partly Sunny — What's the Difference?

"Partly cloudy" and "partly sunny" are meteorological terms used to describe the amount of cloud cover in the sky. Partly cloudy is often used to indicate that clouds cover a significant portion of the sky, but there are still noticeable breaks allowing sunlight to come through. Partly sunny, on the other hand, implies that the sun is shining for a considerable portion of the time, with clouds intermittently covering it.

The term "partly cloudy" is more commonly used during the evening and night hours when the sun is not visible, whereas "partly sunny" is typically used during daylight hours. This distinction is based on the presence of sunlight and how it interacts with the cloud cover.

In terms of cloud coverage, both terms suggest a mix of sun and clouds, but "partly sunny" tends to indicate a brighter, sunnier day with more extended periods of sunshine, while "partly cloudy" suggests a greater presence of clouds.

Both terms can be subjective and may vary depending on the meteorological service or the observer's interpretation. However, they both indicate a day where neither clear skies nor overcast conditions prevail, offering a mixture of sun and clouds.

These terms do not necessarily predict precipitation, but they suggest variable weather conditions that could change throughout the day. Both "partly cloudy" and "partly sunny" conditions can be associated with unpredictable weather patterns.