What constitutes overcast conditions?

Overcast conditions are defined by having 8/8ths cloud cover, meaning that the entire sky is covered by clouds with no gaps. This state indicates that there are no breaks in the cloud layer, which has significant implications for pilots when it comes to visibility and weather assessment. In aviation, overcast conditions often suggest reduced visibility and may influence decisions on flight operations, particularly regarding descent and landing procedures.

The other choices do not reflect the definition of overcast. No clouds present would indicate clear skies, while minimum cloud cover and partial cloud cover suggest that there are some breaks or gaps in the clouds, which would not meet the criteria for overcast conditions. Thus, 8/8ths cloud cover is the definitive characteristic of overcast weather.