Are you talking about the wind direction indicator in the second column, first row of the alternative dashboard? If so, yes, it should be updating as wind direction changes. Right now you're showing Calm (no direction as no current wind). The two rain displays (second column, first row, and second column, second row) for Rain/Today should update with ajaxWDwx3.js. Since it doesn't appear to be raining at your location (no recent bucket tip), can't tell why.
I took a look at your include-NOAA-reports.php (marked as V2.07), but.. my current (non-WD version) being distributed is Version 2.08 - 27-Dec-2022
I do see why PHP 8 gripes about your copy.. the ${variable} all have to be changed to {$variable} syntax as the former syntax was deprecated in PHP 8.1 and removed in PHP 8.2. Sigh.
I've attached a copy of the include-NOAA-reports.php (your version) fixed for PHP 8 (I think). Give it a try.
As for the error message about $year, it may just be your noaareportyear$yr.htm file is missing on your site ?!?