What kind of elements can be found in the “present weather” section of a METAR?

The "present weather" section of a METAR report is designed to provide real-time observations regarding current weather conditions. This part includes various phenomena occurring at the time of the report, which can encompass precipitation types such as rain or snow, visibility issues due to fog, and significant weather events like tornadoes or thunderstorms.

Choosing precipitation and tornado activity as the correct answer reflects an understanding that this section is focused on immediate conditions affecting flight operations. Meanwhile, historical weather trends and weekly averages, although valuable for understanding climate patterns, do not relate to present conditions and therefore do not appear in a METAR report. Sky coverage percentages, while relevant to vertical visibility and cloud conditions, are more specifically listed under a different section of the METAR, typically the cloud layer section rather than being categorized under "present weather." Thus, precipitation and tornado activity represent the important, live information essential for pilots making operational decisions based on actual weather at the time of the flight.