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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

711, 2014

Cold and Snowy at the Mount Washington Observatory!

November 7th, 2014|Categories: Historical Posts|

Cold and Snowy at the Mount Washington Observatory! 2014-11-07 18:13:16.000 - Michael Dorfman, Weather Observer/IT Specialist   Winter is definitely here on the summit. During my last few observations yesterday, I was amazed at how peacefully the snow was falling on the observation deck. With increasing winds

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611, 2014

Splints, Cravats, and Gauze: Oh My!

November 6th, 2014|Categories: Historical Posts|

Splints, Cravats, and Gauze: Oh My! 2014-11-06 21:37:35.000 - Kaitlyn O'Brien, Weather Observer/Education Specialist   Our crew came up a day earlier than usual this week to participate in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training sponsored by SOLO. Every two years, our staff undergoes this training to ensure

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311, 2014

The Winds of Winter

November 3rd, 2014|Categories: Historical Posts|

The Winds of Winter 2014-11-03 18:00:19.000 - Tom Padham, Weather Observer/Meteorologist   The winds of winter are certainly back across the higher peaks of New England, with the powerful Nor'easter yesterday causing winds to gust over 100 mph for much of the night, with a peak gust

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

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Visitors from Above and Below

July 19th, 2014|Comments Off on Visitors from Above and Below

Visitors from Above and Below 2014-07-19 23:04:27.000 - Kaitlyn O`Brien,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist Paramotor over the Great Gulf No two days on the summit are alike, and I always welcome the variety! This morning, I

Preparing For Round 2!

July 18th, 2014|Comments Off on Preparing For Round 2!

Preparing For Round 2! 2014-07-18 19:16:35.000 - Arielle Ahrens,  Summit Intern NULL If you read my comment two shifts ago, you may recall the little experiment we did. This week we will be trying once

Things Are Looking Great This Year

July 17th, 2014|Comments Off on Things Are Looking Great This Year

Things Are Looking Great This Year 2014-07-17 20:14:35.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Fair weather ahead! This time last year, I was responding to numerous phone calls and emails with our valley staff about 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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