What does "overcast" mean in weather reports?

In weather reports, "overcast" refers to conditions where the sky is completely covered with clouds. This term indicates a solid layer of clouds that obscures direct sunlight from reaching the ground, creating a uniformly gray appearance in the sky. Overcast skies can be associated with a variety of weather phenomena, including precipitation, as the thick cloud cover typically indicates moisture in the atmosphere.

Understanding this term is important for accurately interpreting weather conditions and planning activities based on expected visibility and light conditions.