How should a thunderstorm located 15 miles south and moving southeast be reported in a METAR?

In a METAR report, the primary goal is to convey important weather information to pilots and meteorologists succinctly and accurately. When reporting thunderstorms, it's essential to specify not only their location but also their distance from the observation station.

In this case, the thunderstorm is 15 miles south of the station. The correct choice incorporates "DSNT," which stands for "distant," to indicate that the thunderstorm is outside of 10 statute miles from the observing point, providing clarity that it is not posing an immediate threat to operations at the airport. The direction of movement, southeastern in this instance, also helps pilots understand the path of the storm.

Using "DSNT" correctly communicates that while the storm is present, it is not currently affecting the area directly, as opposed to other options that might misleadingly imply a greater sense of immediacy or proximity. Providing this context can be vital for flight safety and operational planning.