Citizen Science Puts Weather Reporting in Your Hands

A distant shower falls over Mount Martha, NH (aka, Cherry Mountain).

If you’re anything like me, you probably have an app or two dedicated to weather on your phone. Maybe you have a preferred app for weather forecasts, another for radar data, and yet another for satellite data. Or maybe instead of apps, you have several go-to websites bookmarked for various weather data.

Weather information keeps us informed so that we can prepare appropriately for the weather ahead, short-term or long-term. With colder weather in the forecast, we might pack a few extra layers or pull in a few more logs for the stove. Or, we might receive a warning about a severe storm heading your direction, and so we pack up, head indoors, and keep an eye on its progress.

While your favorite apps or websites might be providing you with weather data, did you know there are a few apps/sites that you can utilize and provide current weather data to aid in research as a citizen scientist?

Here are some apps that I have on my phone and might be of interest to you:

Mountain Rain or Snow

Remote sensing is improving and aiding in filling weather data gaps. However, precipitation phase changes can be difficult over mountainous terrain, and weather stations only provide information at a static location. That is where human observations aid in detailing how precipitation phase changes vary in time and space. Using these apps, with a few taps you can send observations of precipitation during storms at your location.

Forecasting

NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory is collecting weather reports through the free app mPING. What’s “mPING?” It is an acronym for Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground. The data in turn help define the precipitation that is falling at your location and improve forecasts and radar techniques. That in turn filters down to improve those various other weather apps you might be using for forecasts and radar data.

Cloud Types and Sky Conditions

GLOBE Observer Clouds can be used to observe clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and trees. With the cloud observation aspect, you can help document cloud cover, cloud types, cloud opacity, sky conditions, visibilities, and surface conditions along with photographic examples. It is a bit more involved than the prior reporting apps, but with a few taps and snaps, you can contribute your real-world observations for better understanding and interpretation of satellite data vs surface data.

Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer & Meteorologist

1307, 2009

Flashback!

adm_mwobs2009-07-13T05:40:15-04:00July 13th, 2009|Categories: Historical Posts|

Flashback! 2009-07-13 05:40:15.000 - Mike Carmon, Observer and Meteorologist Flashback! I was sitting in the weather room this morning watching the fog roll in and out and caught a glimpse of the Northern Presidentials, partially obscured by clouds. I'm not sure why, but it brought a wave

1107, 2009

Newton’s Revenge Bicycle Race

adm_mwobs2009-07-11T17:08:50-04:00July 11th, 2009|Categories: Historical Posts|

Newton's Revenge Bicycle Race 2009-07-11 17:08:50.000 - Scott Wehrwein, Summit Intern Newton's Revenge Today was Newton's Revenge, one of two annual bicycle races held on the Mount Washington Auto Road. I spent the morning outside watching the racers finish and marveling at their athletic ability. The course

1007, 2009

NULL

adm_mwobs2009-07-10T07:28:59-04:00July 10th, 2009|Categories: Historical Posts|

NULL 2009-07-10 07:28:59.000 - Amy Terborg, Summit Intern NULL On my off shift this past week I decided to fly back home for the Fourth of July. It was raining and cloudy as I drove to Manchester, and it was raining as my flight took off. When

Previous 101510161017 Next

Support Us

Mount Washington Observatory is a nonprofit research and educational institution working to advance understanding of Earth’s weather and climate.

We cannot do this without your support!

VOLUNTEER

DONATE NOW