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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

1106, 2016

Warmer Days Ahead!

June 11th, 2016|Categories: Historical Posts|

Warmer Days Ahead! 2016-06-11 16:06:16.000 - Tom Padham, Weather Observer/Meteorologist   After a few chilly days on the summit with nearly 2 inches of snow, I find myself looking forward to much warmer conditions as we get into the heart of summer. Personally, I enjoy getting out

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1006, 2016

Five Questions/Answers

June 10th, 2016|Categories: Historical Posts|

Five Questions/Answers 2016-06-10 20:01:52.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist   As you may have seen (or heard through word of mouth), the summit received a fresh coating of snow, sleet, and ice over the past few days.  As a result, this has spawned a few common

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906, 2016

Frozen Cameras

June 9th, 2016|Categories: Historical Posts|

Frozen Cameras 2016-06-09 17:17:46.000 - Meredith Campbell, Summit Intern   Even though it’s already the second week of June, I woke up this morning to a classic winter wonderland. Honestly for the past few years I haven’t been very excited about snow or ice, because I usually

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#MWOMetMonday Round Two

September 14th, 2015|Comments Off on #MWOMetMonday Round Two

#MWOMetMonday Round Two 2015-09-14 18:24:15.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist   Welcome back to our weekly #MWOMetMonday. Our first question is a common one this time of year. We typically see several Facebook posts,

Above the Clouds

September 13th, 2015|Comments Off on Above the Clouds

Above the Clouds 2015-09-13 15:55:14.000 - Andrew Henry, Summit Intern   While on the summits of taller mountains one can find themselves above the clouds. This was the case on Friday at Mount Washington Observatory. 

Change is in the Air

September 11th, 2015|Comments Off on Change is in the Air

Change is in the Air 2015-09-11 17:38:44.000 - Kaitlyn O'Brien, Co-director of Summit Operations   After a busy Labor Day weekend on the summit, it’s become subtly clear that the busy summer season is slowly

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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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