Sunrise on July 22, with Mount Adams and Mount Madison rising above the undercast.

Dear Member,

With summer in its last month on the meteorology calendar, our observers are working hard to track a season of weather extremes. June surpassed the Observatory’s snowfall record for that month, and July experienced record rainfall.

As of this afternoon, summer 2023 is now the wettest on record at Mount Washington Observatory.

In her new Observer Comment, Weather Observer Alex Branton summarizes the dynamics causing all of the rain. Delve further into the science of heavy precipitation in Weather Observer Karl Philippoff’s blog post about Vermont’s early July flooding.

This active weather season has also brought many opportunities to meet with our community, energizing our commitment to climate and weather science on New England’s highest peak.

Our recent Annual Meeting allowed us to connect with many members and celebrate the exemplary dedication of two individuals, Jack Middleton and Guy Gosselin, who each received the Observatory’s first Founders Award.

In mid-July, weather was on our side as some 500 people attended Seek the Peak, helping us exceed our fundraising goal for this annual event that brings together the Observatory community and many aspects of the Mount Washington experience.

It’s been incredible to see many of you this summer. Your continued support and participation mean so much to all of us. For anyone wishing to help fund a new temperature sensor for the summit, we have a fundraiser happening on Facebook through Aug. 11. More info is included below.

Sincerely,

Charlie Buterbaugh

Director of External Affairs

JULY WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

Highest Temperature

66 °F 

Lowest Temperature

35 °F

Fastest Wind Speed

80 MPH

Precipitation

17.08 IN*

*Rain fell on 22 out of 31 days in July, with 17.08″ making it the wettest July in Observatory history.

Fundraiser to Support Weather Data and Forecasting

Measuring weather at the summit requires durable, advanced instruments. We are asking for donations of $17.08 by Friday, Aug. 11 to help purchase a $2,000 sensor with expanded range for potential low-temperature records. We’re already 68% to this goal! Your support will make a direct impact when you donate to our Facebook fundraiser. 

Complete monthly weather data can be viewed here.

Middleton and Gosselin Receive Inaugural Founders Award

Two longtime members and life trustees were recognized recently for their decades of service. The recipients of the Observatory‘s first-ever Founders Award –  the highest form of recognition and honor given by the Observatory – are Jack Middleton of Freedom, NH and Guy Gosselin of Gorham, NH. Learn more.

A Look at July’s Record Rainfall and the Weather Outlook Ahead

Weather Observer & Education Specialist Alex Branton provides an overview of weather patterns that began in June and set the tone for July, including a deep supply of moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and persistent low-pressure systems in the Northeast.

Read Alex’s new Observer Comment. 

WeatherX Lesson Explores Extreme Precipitation Events

In light of recent inland flooding, teachers are invited to explore extreme precipitation events through this WeatherX lesson. Developed by Brian Fitzgerald, MWOBS Director of Education, in collaboration with other weather and climate education leaders, the lesson helps students use CODAP to analyze local weather data.

MWOBS EXPANDS EDUCATION TEAM

This summer, the Observatory welcomed new School Programs Coordinator Jackie Bellefontaine and AmeriCorps School Programs Educator Emily Veh.

Jackie Bellefontaine

A former MWOBS weather observer, Bellefontaine is looking forward to developing educational programs and engaging with educators, students, and adult learners in the immediate community and beyond.

Emily Veh

Veh was previously an interpretive ranger at Franconia Notch State Park as part of the New Hampshire Conservation Corps and the Student Conservation Association.

Next Science in the Mountains Highlights MWOBS Research

Join Observatory research staff on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 7:00 p.m. during our annual update on research projects. Topics include Weather Observer & Research Specialist Karl Philippoff’s study of near-surface lapse rates and Summit Intern Myah Rather’s investigation of rain-on-snow events. Reserve your spot.

Explore Rainfall Science with this Look at Vermont flooding

Among the more remarkable events in New England during the last month are the incredible amounts of rainfall centered over Vermont on July 9 and 10. In his new Observer Comment, Weather Observer Karl Philippoff explores the science and story behind rain falling on saturated soils and the flooding that resulted. Read blog post.