How is towering cumulus from the northeast to southeast encoded in the observation records?

The correct encoding of towering cumulus clouds from the northeast to southeast in observation records is represented as "TCU NE-SE". This formatting is consistent with established meteorological shorthand.

In this context, "TCU" stands for towering cumulus, which is a type of cloud associated with significant vertical growth, indicating potential for convective activity. The directional component "NE-SE" specifies that the clouds are located from the northeastern sector extending towards the southeastern sector. This detail is important for meteorologists and pilots, as it helps in understanding the location and movement of convective weather phenomena.

The other options do not accurately convey the correct terminology and directional notation required. For example, "TC NE-SE" might be close but it lacks the specific designation for towering cumulus. "CUM NE-SE" doesn't follow the accepted meteorological abbreviation for towering cumulus, and "TCU NS" specifies a north-south extent rather than the correct northeast-southeast direction. Each of these alternative choices fails to provide the complete and precise representation needed in weather observations.