What does the abbreviation BKN stand for in weather reporting?

The abbreviation BKN stands for "Broken clouds" in weather reporting. This term is used in aviation meteorology to describe a cloud cover situation where between 5/8 and 7/8 of the sky is covered by clouds. Understanding this terminology is essential for pilots and air traffic controllers as it helps them assess flying conditions. An awareness of broken cloud coverage is important since it can affect visibility and flight operations, including instrumentation and descent rates. Other terms in weather reporting include "OVC" for overcast and "CLR" for clear, but BKN specifically indicates a range of cloud coverage that is crucial for interpreting weather reports.