In weather terms, what does the term 'cloud ceiling' refer to?

The term 'cloud ceiling' specifically refers to the height of the lowest layer of clouds that is significant enough to obstruct vision. In aviation and meteorology, this measurement is crucial as it provides pilots and meteorologists with important information about cloud cover and the flight conditions that may be encountered. A low cloud ceiling can indicate reduced visibility and may require specific flight operations or altitudes to ensure safety.

In contrast to this definition, the height of the highest layer of clouds does not provide sufficient information for determining flight conditions, which is why it is not considered the cloud ceiling. The absence of all clouds implies clear skies, and while overall visibility is critical, it encompasses more than just cloud cover and includes other atmospheric conditions. Thus, understanding that the cloud ceiling focuses on the lowest significant cloud layer clarifies how it impacts aviation operations.