Extensive precipitation is characterized by what level of cloud coverage?

Extensive precipitation is typically associated with a high level of cloud coverage, often greater than 50%. This is because significant precipitation usually occurs within widespread, thick clouds that can cover large areas of the sky. When clouds are more than half obscured by moisture-laden layers, the likelihood of precipitation increases, as there is ample water vapor and convection occurring within those areas.

Clouds that generate extensive precipitation, such as nimbostratus or cumulonimbus clouds, are usually dense and expansive, providing enough sustained updraft and lifting processes to maintain prolonged rainfall or other forms of precipitation. Therefore, identifying cloud coverage as greater than 50% aligns with the meteorological understanding of conditions conducive to extensive precipitation events.