How is the sky condition group SCT030 BKN080 OVC120 correctly decoded?

The correct decoding of the sky condition group SCT030 BKN080 OVC120 is that it indicates various levels of cloud cover. In aviation meteorology, the coding represents the height of clouds in hundreds of feet above ground level, along with their coverage classification.

The term "SCT" stands for "scattered," meaning that clouds cover 1 to 4 oktas (eighths) of the sky. The number "030" indicates that these scattered clouds are at 3,000 feet above the ground.

The abbreviation "BKN" stands for "broken," which means that clouds cover 5 to 7 oktas of the sky, and "080" signifies that these broken clouds are located at 8,000 feet above ground.

Finally, "OVC" stands for "overcast," meaning that clouds cover 8 oktas (completely overcast), and "120" indicates that these overcast clouds are at 12,000 feet above ground.

Therefore, this means there are scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, broken clouds at 8,000 feet, and overcast clouds at 12,000 feet. This is why the correct answer states "Three thousand scattered, ceiling eight thousand