In a METAR report, what does "BKN015" indicate?
ABroken cloud layer with bases at 1,500 feet AGL.✓
BBroken cloud layer at 15,000 feet MSL.
CCloud bases at 150 feet AGL.
Why →METAR sky condition uses a three-letter coverage code followed by height in hundreds of feet AGL. BKN = Broken (5/8 to 7/8 sky coverage), and 015 = 1,500 feet AGL (15 × 100). BKN and OVC layers define the ceiling. Coverage codes: FEW (1–2/8), SCT (3–4/8), BKN (5–7/8), OVC (8/8).
The trap →Cloud heights in METARs are always AGL, not MSL. At an airport 3,000 feet MSL, a BKN015 layer would be at 4,500 feet MSL. Also, only BKN and OVC layers define the "ceiling". FEW and SCT do not.
SOURCE → FAA Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45H)CHECKED JUL 16ACS III.A.K1MED