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

1702, 2009

A Week on the Rockpile

adm_mwobs2009-02-17T14:27:46-05:00February 17th, 2009|Categories: Historical Posts|

A Week on the Rockpile 2009-02-17 14:27:46.000 - John Bauhs, Summit Volunteer There is a weather link that exists within everything in our life. Our economy, comfort, safety, and health can all be tied to the natural forces that we call weather. Fortunately, even for us "non-meteorologists",

1602, 2009

A Beautiful Day

adm_mwobs2009-02-16T21:07:13-05:00February 16th, 2009|Categories: Historical Posts|

A Beautiful Day 2009-02-16 21:07:13.000 - Brian Clark, Observer and Meteorologist Franconia Ridge in a sea of clouds Today was one of those rare, calm days on the summit that occurs at most a handful of times each winter. In fact, today was by far the nicest

1602, 2009

Unusual Events

adm_mwobs2009-02-16T07:41:23-05:00February 16th, 2009|Categories: Historical Posts|

Unusual Events 2009-02-16 07:41:23.000 - Mike Finnegan, IT Observer This week has seen many things not so frequently seen on the summit. As you may recall, we had some warmer temperatures on the summit Wednesday into Thursday, changing what was mainly freezing rain Wednesday night into a

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adm_mwobs2008-10-22T08:37:44-04:00October 22nd, 2008|Comments Off on volunteer comment

volunteer comment 2008-10-22 08:37:44.000 - Katherine MacDonald, Summit Volunteer Lakes of the clouds I'm honored to write the observer's comments for today. I've been to the summit of this mountain many times and never tire

Museum Closed

adm_mwobs2008-10-21T18:01:52-04:00October 21st, 2008|Comments Off on Museum Closed

Museum Closed 2008-10-21 18:01:52.000 - Jordan Scampoli, Summit Intern Lonely Museum As interns we have many responsibilities. These include assisting the observers with the hourly observations, doing research, giving tours, administrative tasks, and helping out

building closes

adm_mwobs2008-10-20T07:30:10-04:00October 20th, 2008|Comments Off on building closes

building closes 2008-10-20 07:30:10.000 - Stacey Kawecki, Observer The building is closed for the season The Sherman Adams building is now closed. The museum attendant (Sharon), the interns (Jeff and Jordan), and Bill G (the