The founding crew, 1932-1933: Alex McKenzie, Bob Monahan, Joe Dodge, and Sal Pagliuca.

Conway Broadcasting, which includes radio station 93.5 WMWV-FM, carries on a decade’s long collaboration with the Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) each morning. Listeners throughout the Mount Washington Valley, Western Maine, and—more recently thanks to digital technology—around the world tune in to hear the Higher Summits Forecast directly from MWOBS observers at the summit weather station during a 7:45 AM live Morning Weather Show.

Peter Crane, MWOBS Curator, revealed the origins of the forecasts from the summit, which date back to the time of Appalachian Mountain Club hutmaster Joe Dodge. In the December 1963 issue of the Mount Washington Observatory News Bulletin (a precursor to WindSwept), there is a note of interest. An excerpt from a letter by Joe Dodge states, “Our communication circuit with the Observatory from Conway works very well. We are on the Weather Bureau frequency 34.04 Mc, or 142.5 Mc amateur two meter band. It puts me in daily touch with the boys on the top and if they have any problems they are easy to work out.”

This legend and a key co-founder of MWOBS did not retire from the Observatory. He remained involved as its managing director and treasurer from its founding in 1932 until his death in 1973, playing a crucial role in establishing and supporting the observatory’s operations during its first four decades. He is also considered the “father” of the Appalachian Mountain Club hut system, serving as the Huts Manager from 1928 to 1959.

Joe set up the amateur radio station in his home and thought it would be a fine idea to give a local weather observation for the then Eastern Slope Region of NH (now known as the Mount Washington Valley) and western Maine, plus the conditions on the summit of Mount Washington on the local radio station WBNC-AM. After approaching the owners of North Country Radio, Skip and Joan Sherman, they agreed, and saw a sales opportunity as well.

They came up with the idea of “rating the day” between a nickel and fifty cents. With .05 for a miserable day up to a “50 center” for a bluebird day. They pitched the White Mountain National Bank in North Conway with the idea of them supplying pink plastic piggy banks for distribution at the bank and sponsoring “The Morning Weather Show” at 7:45am, seven days a week. The thought was for listeners to tune in, then add the daily rating to the piggy bank with the idea of donating the money to a local cause or have a little extra to spend shopping. Rumor has it that there are still some of them around.

Having Joe live on the radio kept the morning DJs on their toes as he was well known for his “colorful” language. The idea took off and continues to this day on 93.5 WMWV.

Roy Prescott & former Wildcat Ski Area Marketing Director Irene Donnell enjoy sunrise on the mountain in 2004.

As Program Director Roy Prescott often says, “It’s inflation proof!” Adding, “We still keep the daily rating and year to date tally on a 3”x5” index card in the studio continuing the tradition.”

North Conway’s  Briggs Bunker, a National Weather Service observer, took over the local forecast starting November 15, 1973. The March 1974 issue of the Mount Washington Observatory News Bulletin has a short article indicating that the summit staff got involved with WBNC after Joe’s October 28, 1973 death. However, the article does not say exactly when the summit staff started taking calls from WBNC/WMWV.

“On the official record of the National Weather Service record of observations for North Conway, a copy of which is in the MWOBS archives, Briggs wrote on the sheet for November 1973, his first month on the job, ‘I will do my best to keep up Joe Dodge’s fine record of wx observation and reporting,’” Crane added.

Over 25 years of hosting the Morning Show, Roy wonders how many observers have joined him on the Morning Weather Show. Longtime Senior Meteorologist Ryan Knapp noted in the Windswept publication for Fall/Winter 2025-26, that in 2026 he celebrates 20 years as an observer. Over that period of time, he has worked with 39 observers and counting.

“I understand the importance and cherish the fact that WMWV has the distinction of being the only radio station to report live higher summit forecast updates from the Observatory,” Prsecott said. “I also have embraced the relationships that developed both on-air and in person with so many fellow “Weather Geek” observers over the years. Some of my favorite memories include broadcasting the Morning Show live from the summit (three times and counting), which include overnight stays thanks to the hospitality of the Mount Washington Observatory. Roy adds, “I would be remise if I didn’t include a tip of the cap to the founders of the format on WBNC and then WMWV, Skip and Joan Sherman along with the Observatory co-founder Joe Dodge. What an amazing idea they had all those years ago.”

It would also be important to remember Brinks Bunker who took over the local forecast segment of the Morning Weather Show from 1973- 2018 with occasional help from his wife Bobbie and local observer Ed Bergeron who carries the torch to this day with occasional help from his wife Kathy. Also, a couple of names very familiar to those who know the Obs. Former Summit Operations Director Ken Rancourt and current Director of Education Brian Fitzgerald fill in from time to time. Longtime announcer Rob Burbank handles the Morning Weather Show duties Friday-Sunday. Also, many thanks to the Observers at 6,288’ who take time out of their very busy days to pass along the current conditions and higher summits forecasts.

Don’t miss the Morning Weather Show on 93.5 WMWV, WMWV.com and on the WMWV Mobile App seven days a week at 7:45 AM. Conway Broadcasting also can be found on your radio dial Magic 104 and Easy 95.3.