A Dreary Day

2006-07-28 05:29:23.000 – Tim Markle,  Chief Observer

It appears that the overall weather pattern has now been repeatedly stuck at giving the region a few days of heat and humidity, followed by a day of more comfortable conditions. This shift up here has been no exception. The mornings have been foggy and mild, giving the summit that rare humid feeling. By afternoon the clouds lift, but only to reveal hazy skies. Yesterday the limit of our visibility was Mt. Madison. Even when the clouds do lift and the sun appears, it only helps to aid in the heating of the atmosphere and increase the threat for thunderstorms. By evening, the clouds lower and the summit is back in the fog. The weather on the summit is becoming very predictable, and is beginning to sound more like the back of a shampoo bottle. Lather, rinse, repeat!

A cold front dropping down from Canada today will continue this summertime cycle. Humidity levels will increase as showers and thunderstorms advance on the region. This will keep the summit in the clouds with warm and humid conditions throughout the day. Drier air will move in for Saturday and the first half of Sunday. By late Sunday the heat and humidity will return and linger through Wednesday before another cold front moves through the region. This front, though, has the potential to bring a more extended period of cooler and drier weather.

Hikers be aware of the high threat for strong thunderstorms today. These storms will begin to pop up in the early afternoon and last through the late evening hours. Although the most favored area for strong to severe thunderstorm development will be in central and southern New Hampshire, there will be enough energy in the atmosphere over the White Mountains to also produce strong to severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain, strong winds, small hail, and frequent lightning could accompany these storms. Seek shelter if you see those afternoon skies darken or hear thunder in the distance, as these storms will be moving across the region at 30 to 40 mph!

Tim Markle,  Chief Observer