If you’ve been curious with us for a while, you may have gained knowledge about measurements. Perhaps you’ve read about how we gauge air pressure, weight, or even time itself. Today, we’re wondering about another unit of measurement—the okta!
What is the okta used to measure? Here’s a clue: It can fly, but it doesn’t have wings. What are we referring to? Clouds, of course! Specifically, the okta measures cloud cover. This is the extent to which the sky is covered by clouds at a specific time.
Have you ever watched or listened to a weather report? If so, you may recall hearing terms like “partly cloudy,” “partly sunny,” or “mostly cloudy.” Meteorologists pay close attention to the density of cloud cover on a given day. That’s because clouds impact the weather, including the temperature and likelihood of precipitation.
How do meteorologists use oktas to measure? First, they mentally divide the sky into eight equal sections. Each of these sections represents one okta. If you think about it, this makes sense. After all, the prefix “octa-” means eight.
Next, they estimate how many of these equal sections all the clouds in the sky would fill if they were pushed together. These estimates are rounded up if even a part of a section would be occupied. The resulting number of oktas helps meteorologists convey the weather to the public.
For instance, a measurement of zero oktas means there are no clouds in the sky. This indicates a clear, sunny day. One okta means the day will be fair, while two or three oktas indicate mostly sunny conditions. If the clouds cover between four and six oktas, the day is partly cloudy. A score of seven means mostly cloudy. Of course, eight oktas means the sky is completely covered in clouds.
Sometimes, conditions are so foggy that meteorologists cannot see the sky well enough to measure cloud cover. In these cases, they assign a measurement of nine oktas to the day.
Of course, cloud cover is not the only measurement that is important. Cloud base measures the altitude of the cloud, and its height is the distance from the cloud base to its top. These measurements also impact how clouds might influence the weather.
Are you fascinated by clouds? Perhaps a future in meteorology would be a good fit for you! It can be enjoyable to learn about the various factors that affect the weather on a given day.
Give It a Try
Ready to continue learning? Try one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Learn about the three primary types of clouds. Afterwards, assist others in understanding what you have learned. Create an online or Canva poster that explains the distinctions between cumulus, stratus, and cirrus clouds. Make sure to include images and at least two facts about each type of cloud.
- Were you aware that clouds can impact Earth’s climate? Explore more on this NASA page. How do clouds influence climate? And how does climate affect clouds? Share your newfound knowledge with a friend or family member.
- Initiate a weather journal! All you need is a notebook and a writing tool. Each day, record the date. Then, go outside and estimate the oktas of cloud cover. If the cloud cover changes throughout the day, document it in your journal. Include details about the temperature, precipitation, wind, and any other fascinating weather elements. After a few weeks, discuss any patterns you notice with your friends or family.
Wonder Sources
- https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/cloud-cover/ (accessed 15 Apr. 2021)
- https://polarpedia.eu/en/okta-scale/ (accessed 15 Apr. 2021)
- https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/observations/how-we-measure-cloud (accessed 15 Apr. 2021)
- https://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/189/ (accessed 15 Apr. 2021)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 15 Apr. 2021)
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