Descriptions of weather phenomena as they begin or  end and hailstone size are also listed in the “Remarks”  sections of the report.  [Figure 13-5]  8. Sky condition—always reported in the sequence of amount, height, and type or indefinite ceiling/height (vertical visibility) (BKN008 OVC012CB, VV003). The heights of the cloud bases are reported with a three-digit number in hundreds of feet AGL. Clouds above 12,000 feet are not detected or reported by an automated station. The types of clouds, specifically towering cumulus (TCU) or cumulonimbus (CB) clouds, are reported with their height. Contractions are used to describe the amount of cloud coverage and  obscuring phenomena. The amount of sky coverage is  reported in eighths of the sky from horizon to horizon.  [Figure 13-6] 9. Temperature and dew point—the air temperature and dew point are always given in degrees Celsius (C) or (18/17). Temperatures below 0 °C are preceded by the letter “M” to indicate minus. 10. Altimeter setting—reported as inches of mercury ("Hg) in a four-digit number group (A2970). It is always preceded by the letter “A.” Rising or falling pressure may also be denoted in the “Remarks” sections as “PRESRR” or “PRESFR,” respectively. 11. Zulu time—a term used in aviation for UTC, which places the entire world on one time standard. 12. Remarks—the remarks section always begins with the  letters “RMK.” Comments may or may not appear in this section of the METAR. The information contained  in this section may include wind data, variable visibility, beginning and ending times of particular phenomenon, pressure information, and various other  information deemed necessary. An example of a remark regarding weather phenomenon that does not fit in any other category would be: OCNL LTGICCG.  This translates as occasional lightning in the clouds and from cloud to ground. Automated stations also use  the remarks section to indicate the equipment needs maintenance. Example:  METAR KGGG 161753Z AUTO 14021G26KT 3/4SM  +TSRA BR BKN008 OVC012CB 18/17 A2970 RMK  PRESFR  The weather groups are constructed by considering columns 1–5 in this table in sequence:  intensity, followed by descriptor, followed by weather phenomena (e.g., heavy rain showers(s) is coded as +SHRA).  * Automated stations only Figure 13-5.  Descriptors and weather phenomena used in a typical METAR.  13-7  Figure 13-6.  Reportable contractions for sky condition.  Contraction  SKC, CLR, FEW  FEW  SCT  BKN  OVC  Sky Cover  Less than  1 ∕8 (Clear)  1 ∕ 8– 2 ∕8  (Few)  ³∕ 8– 4 ∕8  (Scattered)  5 ∕ 8– 7 ∕ 8 (Broken)  8 ∕ 8 or (Overcast)  Intensity or Proximity 1  Precipitation 3  Obscuration 4  Other 5 Descriptor 2  – Light  Moderate (no qualifier)  + Heavy  VC  in the vicinity  MI  Shallow  BC  Patches  DR  Low drifting  BL  Blowing  SH  Showers  TS  Thunderstorms  FZ  Freezing  PR  Partial  DZ  Drizzle  RA  Rain  SN  Snow  SG  Snow grains  IC  Ice crystals (diamond dust)  PL  Ice pellets  GR  Hail  GS  Small hail or snow pellets  UP  *Unknown precipitation  BR  Mist  FG  Fog  FU  Smoke  DU  Dust  SA  Sand  HZ  Haze  PY  Spray  VA  Volcanic ash  PO  Dust/sand whirls  SQ  Squalls  FC  Funnel cloud  +FC  Tornado or waterspout  SS  Sandstorm  DS  Dust storm  Qualifier  Weather Phenomena 