Temperature:      Wind Speed:      Gust:      Wind Chill:      Direction:    Switch to Metric

Temperature:

Wind Speed:      Gust:

Wind Chill:      Direction:
   Switch to Metric

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

2507, 2017

A Very Big Thank-You: Seek the Peak 2017

July 25th, 2017|Categories: Historical Posts|

A Very Big Thank-You: Seek the Peak 2017 2017-07-25 13:21:44.000 - Taylor Regan, Weather Observer   Over the past few days, several hundred hikers have descended upon the trails, mostly in the White Mountain region, the result of a fundraising effort to benefit the non-profit Mount Washington

Read More
1807, 2017

Aurora Borealis

July 18th, 2017|Categories: Historical Posts|

Aurora Borealis 2017-07-18 13:27:44.000 - Jillian Reynolds, Summit Intern   Also known as “Northern Lights”, the Aurora Borealis is one of Nature’s greatest spectacles. It is the result of electrons colliding with the upper parts of the Earth’s atmosphere (NOAA, 2017). The electrons are energized through acceleration

Read More

Share This Post

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!

Astronomical Winter vs Meteorological Winter

December 17th, 2016|Comments Off on Astronomical Winter vs Meteorological Winter

Astronomical Winter vs Meteorological Winter 2016-12-17 15:56:13.000 - Adam Gill, Weather Observer/IT Specialist   Meteorological winter begins on December 1st while the astronomical winter does not begin until the 21st. There are a few reasons

It’s Cold, and That’s All We’re Talking About!

December 15th, 2016|Comments Off on It’s Cold, and That’s All We’re Talking About!

It's Cold, and That's All We're Talking About! 2016-12-15 13:20:54.000 - Mike Carmon, Senior Weather Observer & Education Specialist   The coldest air mass of the young (meteorological) winter season is currently pouring into New

Baby, It’s (Going To Be) Cold Outside

December 13th, 2016|Comments Off on Baby, It’s (Going To Be) Cold Outside

Baby, It's (Going To Be) Cold Outside 2016-12-13 22:10:28.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist   A broad upper level low centered near the Hudson Bay will slowly be creeping east over the coming days

Find Older Posts

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.

© Copyright 2026 | Mount Washington Observatory | All Rights Reserved | 603-356-2137

Did you know you can text ‘weather’ and ‘forecast’ to 603-356-2137 for current weather and conditions?
Alternatively, you can enable our Historical Weather Alexa Skill, or our Alexa Flash Briefing Audio forecast.

Go to Top