Overcast vs. Cloudy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 26, 2023
"Overcast" describes the sky when it's completely covered by clouds, indicating heavier cloud density than "cloudy," which signifies any cloud cover, usually allowing some blue sky or sun to appear.
Key Differences
"Overcast" and "Cloudy" are meteorological terms used to describe the presence and amount of clouds in the sky. "Overcast" is more specific, referring to when the sky is completely covered by clouds without any breaks, often associated with more uniform and extensive cloud layers. In contrast, "cloudy" is a broader term, signifying the presence of clouds, which may cover a small or large portion of the sky, allowing for breaks and some visibility of blue sky or sunlight.
In meteorological observations, "overcast" is noted when cloud cover is so dense and extensive that it obscures the sun or sky entirely. The sky usually appears gray, and the condition might be associated with precipitation. "Cloudy," conversely, refers to varying degrees of cloud cover and does not necessarily imply complete coverage. The sun or other parts of the sky might still be visible, and the weather may remain dry, depending on other atmospheric conditions.
The implication of the terms "overcast" and "cloudy" also differs regarding light and visibility. An overcast sky typically results in diffused light, reducing shadows and contrasts, making it a preferred condition for photographers seeking even light. However, a cloudy sky may allow more light to penetrate, creating a mixture of light and shadow, depending on the thickness and type of clouds present.
The terms "overcast" and "cloudy" help in weather forecasting, providing insight into possible weather developments. Overcast conditions often precede rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation, and they may indicate an approaching weather front. On the other hand, a cloudy sky might not lead to precipitation and can be transient, with clouds coming and going, allowing intervals of sunshine.
Both "overcast" and "cloudy" conditions have varied impacts on temperature. Overcast skies can lead to cooler daytime temperatures due to the blockage of sunlight but may result in warmer nights as clouds trap terrestrial radiation. Cloudy conditions might see a more significant variation in temperature, depending on the amount and type of cloud cover, allowing more solar radiation during the day and more cooling at night when there are breaks in the clouds.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Sky completely covered by clouds.
Any cloud cover, allowing some sky or sun to appear.
Implication
Often precedes precipitation.
May or may not lead to precipitation.
Light and Visibility
Results in diffused light, reducing shadows.
Allows more light, creating a mix of light and shadow.
Impact on Temperature
Cooler days and warmer nights.
Variation in temperature, depending on cloud cover.
Associated Weather
Uniform and extensive cloud layers, may bring precipitation.
Variable cloud cover, transient, may allow intervals of sunshine.
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Overcast and Cloudy Definitions
Overcast
Sky fully covered by clouds.
The day started with an overcast sky, predicting rain later.
Cloudy
Presence of clouds in the sky.
The cloudy sky made us hope for rain.
Overcast
A condition causing diffused light due to dense clouds.
The overcast conditions were ideal for the photographer.
Cloudy
Condition allowing for breaks and visibility of blue sky.
Despite being cloudy, we could see patches of blue sky.
Overcast
Indicative of extensive and uniform cloud layers.
The weather turned overcast, hinting at a potential storm.
Cloudy
Weather condition that may or may not bring precipitation.
It stayed cloudy all day but didn’t rain.
Overcast
Covered or obscured, as with clouds or mist.
Cloudy
Variable cloud cover allowing sunlight at times.
It was cloudy, but the sun peeked through occasionally.
Overcast
Clouded over.
Cloudy
Full of or covered with clouds; overcast.
Overcast
Gloomy; melancholy.
Cloudy
Of or like a cloud or clouds.
Overcast
Sewn with long, overlying stitches in order to prevent raveling, as the raw edges of fabric.
Cloudy
Marked with indistinct masses or streaks
Cloudy marble.
Overcast
A covering, as of mist or clouds.
Cloudy
Not transparent, as certain liquids.
Overcast
An arch or support for a passage over another passage in a mine.
Cloudy
Open to more than one interpretation.
Overcast
A cast made in fishing that falls beyond the point intended.
Cloudy
Not clearly perceived or perceptible.
Overcast
An overcast stitch or seam.
Cloudy
Troubled; gloomy
His future at the company is cloudy.
Overcast
To make cloudy or gloomy.
Cloudy
Covered with or characterised by clouds; overcast.
Overcast
To cast beyond (the intended point) with a fishing rod.
Cloudy
Not transparent or clear.
Overcast
To sew with long, overlying stitches.
Cloudy
(of fruit juice) Containing pith
Overcast
To become cloudy or gloomy.
Cloudy
Uncertain; unclear.
Overcast
A cloud covering all of the sky from horizon to horizon.
Cloudy
Using or relating to cloud computing.
A cloudy infrastructure
Overcast
(obsolete) An outcast.
Cloudy
Shady; sketchy; suspicious
Overcast
Covered with clouds; overshadowed; darkened; (meteorology) more than 90% covered by clouds.
Cloudy
Overcast or obscured with clouds; clouded; as, a cloudy sky.
Overcast
(figuratively) In a state of depression; gloomy; melancholy.
Cloudy
Consisting of a cloud or clouds.
As Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended.
Overcast
To overthrow.
Cloudy
Indicating gloom, anxiety, sullenness, or ill-nature; not open or cheerful.
Overcast
(transitive) To cover with cloud; to overshadow; to darken.
Cloudy
Confused; indistinct; obscure; dark.
Cloudy and confused notions of things.
Overcast
(transitive) To make gloomy; to depress.
Cloudy
Lacking clearness, brightness, or luster.
Overcast
To be or become cloudy.
Cloudy
Marked with veins or sports of dark or various hues, as marble.
Overcast
To transform.
Cloudy
Lacking definite form or limits;
Gropes among cloudy issues toward a feeble conclusion
Nebulous distinction between pride and conceit
Overcast
To fasten (sheets) by overcast stitching or by folding one edge over another.
Cloudy
(of especially liquids) clouded as with sediment;
A cloudy liquid
Muddy coffee
Murky waters
Overcast
To cast or cover over; hence, to cloud; to darken.
Those clouds that overcast your morn shall fly.
Cloudy
Full of or covered with clouds;
Cloudy skies
Overcast
To compute or rate too high.
Cloudy
State causing mixed shadows due to varied light penetration.
The cloudy weather created an interesting play of light and shadow.
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 weather phase typically preceding precipitation.
The sky became overcast, and we rushed back home.
Overcast
Condition leading to cooler daytime temperatures.
The overcast weather made the day feel unusually cool.
FAQs
Does overcast mean the sky is completely covered by clouds?
Yes, overcast describes conditions where the sky is entirely covered by clouds.
Does cloudy always imply full cloud cover?
No, cloudy signifies any cloud cover, and some blue sky or sun may still be visible.
Are overcast conditions cooler during the day?
Typically, overcast conditions can lead to cooler daytime temperatures due to blocked sunlight.
Is overcast associated with precipitation?
Often, overcast conditions are associated with or precede precipitation.
Does overcast result in diffused light?
Yes, overcast conditions typically lead to diffused light and reduced shadows.
Can cloudy conditions see temperature variations?
Yes, cloudy conditions might see variations in temperature, depending on the amount and type of cloud cover.
Can it be cloudy without any precipitation?
Yes, cloudy conditions do not necessarily lead to precipitation.
Is the term overcast specific to dense and extensive clouds?
Yes, overcast typically refers to uniform and extensive cloud layers covering the sky completely.
Can cloudy conditions create interesting light and shadow plays?
Yes, the varied light penetration in cloudy conditions can create an interesting interplay of light and shadow.
Does cloudy weather allow more light penetration?
Yes, depending on cloud type and cover, cloudy conditions may allow more light to penetrate, creating a mix of light and shadow.
Is cloudy a more general term for any cloud presence?
Yes, cloudy is a broader term indicating the presence of clouds in the sky, which may be sparse or dense.
Does overcast imply a gray sky?
Yes, overcast conditions usually make the sky appear gray due to complete cloud cover.
Do overcast conditions affect photography positively?
Overcast conditions are often preferred in photography for providing even, diffused light which reduces harsh shadows.
Can the sky be partially cloudy?
Yes, cloudy conditions can range from few clouds to mostly cloudy, allowing for varying degrees of sky visibility.
Are both overcast and cloudy terms used in weather forecasting?
Yes, both terms are used in meteorology and weather forecasting to describe cloud presence and predict possible weather developments.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
