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Mount Washington Observatory

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

2210, 2018

Why Do Certain Leaves Change Color?

October 22nd, 2018|Categories: Historical Posts|

Why Do Certain Leaves Change Color? 2018-10-22 11:54:57.000 - Chloe Boehm, Summit Intern   After spectacular fall foliage for the last few weeks, winter weather has started to descend upon the mountain and with that comes the end of the beautiful colors on the trees. Reflecting back

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2110, 2018

A Look at Halloweens Past on Mount Washington

October 21st, 2018|Categories: Historical Posts|

A Look at Halloweens Past on Mount Washington 2018-10-21 09:07:32.000 - Tom Padham, Weather Observer/Education Specialist   Halloween on the summit of Mount Washington is one of my favorite times of the year. After a busy summer season with many visitors, the staff gets a short while

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2010, 2018

Say It Ain’t Snow

October 20th, 2018|Categories: Historical Posts|

Say It Ain't Snow 2018-10-20 14:44:17.000 - Taylor Regan, Weather Observer and Research Specialist   Well, it’s official, the summit has seen snow. And not just a trace either! Our snowfall for the month of October has now topped ten inches (10.4” to be exact) with more

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Three Snowstorms, Two Arctic Outbreaks, One Big Challenge

February 1st, 2018|Comments Off on Three Snowstorms, Two Arctic Outbreaks, One Big Challenge

Three Snowstorms, Two Arctic Outbreaks, One Big Challenge 2018-02-01 14:13:16.000 - Mike Carmon, Senior Meteorologist & Education Specialist   This winter has thus far been another typical New England roller coaster ride, with snowstorms and

Ways to Measure Snow

January 30th, 2018|Comments Off on Ways to Measure Snow

Ways to Measure Snow 2018-01-30 13:22:03.000 - Taylor Regan, Weather Observer   One question commonly asked of staff up here on the summit is: How do you accurately measure snowfall in such a windy environment?

Super Blue (Partial) Blood Moon (Maybe)

January 28th, 2018|Comments Off on Super Blue (Partial) Blood Moon (Maybe)

Super Blue (Partial) Blood Moon (Maybe) 2018-01-28 17:24:02.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist   Back in August 2017 when I was writing a blog post about the solar eclipse I was looking at the

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Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. Our weather station is located  on the summit of Mount Washington  in New Hampshire, at Mount Washington State Park.

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