Interpreting the Cloud Score

Four real forecasts at four different scores, so you know what to actually expect from each range.

0-20

Blocked

Heavy or low cloud with no real light getting through.

Thick overcast sky over snowy mountains, sun barely visible — Thick cloud, only a faint sun disc, no color.

Low cloud band sitting on the ocean horizon at sunset — A solid band of low cloud blocks nearly all color.

20-40

Clear or hazy

Either a plain clear sky or thin haze muting the color.

Mostly clear sky sunset over mountain silhouettes — Mostly clear. Safe, but little cloud to catch color.

Heavy cloud over a lake with a narrow band of color near the horizon — Heavy cloud overhead, a narrow band of color low down.

40-60

Good

Real cloud with real color, a solid sunset worth going out for.

Scattered cumulus clouds with warm color at a beach sunset — Scattered cloud with genuine color underneath.

Hazy layered hills with an orange sun near the horizon — A hazy, layered sky with warm color diffusing through.

60-100

Great to perfect

Extensive lit cloud, color across most of the sky.

Thin high cloud glowing orange over a farmhouse silhouette — Thin, high cloud lit almost edge to edge.

Dramatic pink and orange sky over ocean islands — Extensive cloud fully lit, color across the whole sky.

How this score is actually calculated → Back to the full guide →

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