What the percentage tells you
Cloud cover expresses how much of the sky is covered. A value near 100% describes an overcast sky, while smaller values suggest more gaps. It is not a percentage chance of rain, and 50% cloud does not mean that it will be cloudy for exactly half the day.
Cloud thickness also matters. Thin high cloud can cover much of the sky while allowing considerable light through. A lower, thicker cloud sheet may make a similar coverage value feel much duller.
Compare time and cloud height
Move through the timeline to find whether cloud is expected to build, break or move away. If the provider offers separate low-, middle- and high-cloud layers, compare them with the total. Match the date and time before drawing conclusions from another weather map.
For a near-term check, compare the forecast with available satellite imagery. The model predicts cloud development, while a satellite image describes conditions when that image was captured.
Planning around the Nordic sky
For an outdoor meal, photography or a walk, look for a useful window rather than one apparently perfect frame. Around coasts and hills, clouds can develop differently from the surrounding region. In winter, combine cloud information with temperature and daylight; at night, less cloud does not guarantee an unobstructed sky at your exact location.
Questions about this map
Does full cloud cover mean it will rain?
No. Many cloud layers produce little or no precipitation at the surface. Check the rain or precipitation map separately.
Can the cloud map promise clear skies?
No. It is a forecast on a model grid. Small clouds, local fog and changes between forecast steps can differ from the displayed pattern.