How should we understand the existence of water, clouds, and air before creation in the Hadith?

> The Prophet ﷺ was asked, “Where was Allah before He created His creation?’ He said: “He was above the clouds, below which was air, and above which was air. Then He created His Throne above the water.” (Sunan Ibn Majah ) According to this Hadith, before he created his creation, there was already water, clouds, and air. So, were these also created or always there?