Soaking Friday, Gusty Saturday.

2013-08-10 15:55:05.000 – Brian Fitzgerald,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist

One active Hays Chart!

The final totals are in, and yesterday on the Rockpile we recorded 4.15 inches of rain over a twenty-four hour period. This total represents the most rainfall we’ve recorded in that time span since Hurricane Irene dropped an estimated 6.66 inches back in 2011. With relatively light winds yesterday, no estimation was needed to capture all four plus inches, with our average wind speed at 24 miles per hour (so far we’re averaging 59mph for today).

Today, Saturday, was a much different story wind-wise, as the day shift awoke to winds sustained at hurricane force, gusting over 80 miles per hour. With a stiff northwest breeze aimed directly at our bunkrooms, I could have swore it was just another mid-winter morning, though lo-and-behold the calendar still read August. After a delayed opening for both the Auto Road and Cog Railway this morning due to the high winds, it’s been a virtual wind-playground outside on the observation deck for every visitor willing to brave the fast-moving air.

As the end of the day-shift nears, the summit crew is awaiting a group of four from Eastern Mountain Sports’ Climbing School in North Conway, who will be our overnight guests for the evening. If you’re interested in learning more about visiting the Mount Washington Observatory during the day or overnight, visit our website!

Brian Fitzgerald,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist