Escaping the Heat

2011-06-09 16:10:57.000 – Brian Clark,  Observer and Meteorologist

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It was certainly nice to escape the heat in the valley yesterday by coming to the summit. I love the fact that a ‘hot’ day on Mount Washington sees temperatures in the 60’s. That’s my idea of a perfect summer day! Then there is the nice breeze to make it feel even a little bit cooler. I was also happy to get away from the bugs in the valley. This is my fifth summer living in New England, and this year is by far the worst I have seen the bugs. I spent quite a bit outside this past week off (kayking, golf, etc.) and still have quite a few bites and stings to show for it. I was surprised to hear from my fellow day observer Mike, as well as our summer interns Jacki and Steve, that he black flies were quite numerous down on the Alpine Garden after they hiked down there yesterday evening. Thankfully the wind seems to be holding them there, and I hope it stays that way!

The hot hazy weather is coming to an end, as I write this, in the form of a cold front passing through New England. Not only will this front bring much more seasonable (and reasonable!) temperatures to both the summit and the valley, but it could also bring some interesting severe thunderstorms. After not seeing very many thunderstorms on the mountain last summer, this summer is making up for that fast, as we have seen quite a few over the past couple of weeks.

Brian Clark,  Observer and Meteorologist