What happens if the height of the ceiling observed varies?

When determining the ceiling height in aviation weather observations, the standard practice is to report the average height when there are variations in the observed values. This method provides a useful summary for pilots and air traffic controllers, enabling them to understand general conditions without overwhelming them with multiple figures that could create confusion.

Reporting the average height reflects both the minimum and maximum observed values, thus conveying a more comprehensive understanding of the ceiling conditions. This is particularly important in aviation, where understanding how clouds may affect visibility and flight safety is critical for operations.

In contrast, reporting just the highest or lowest values could present a distorted picture of the actual conditions, limiting the information available to flight crews. Likewise, not reporting any variation at all would omit essential data that could influence operational decisions and safety in the airspace. Therefore, reporting the average height adheres to the practice that prioritizes clarity and effective communication of weather conditions in aviation.