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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

1801, 2014

The Role Of An Observatory Leader

January 18th, 2014|Categories: Historical Posts|

The Role Of An Observatory Leader 2014-01-18 23:09:00.000 - Will Broussard,  Outreach Coordinator Each winter, Mount Washington Observatory leads several overnight EduTrips to the summit of Mount Washington. With topics ranging from mountaineering essentials to weather basics, every trip has a theme and is led by an

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1701, 2014

The Only Constant is Change

January 17th, 2014|Categories: Historical Posts|

The Only Constant is Change 2014-01-17 18:18:56.000 - Mike Dorfman,  Weather Observer Lenticular Cloud Over Jefferson It is quite amazing how quickly the weather can change up here. As I drove up to the base, valley fog was beginning to dissipate, revealing nearly bluebird skies. After reaching

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1601, 2014

Education Specialst

January 16th, 2014|Categories: Historical Posts|

Education Specialst 2014-01-16 17:06:54.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL My job title on the summit is Weather Observer and Education Specialist. While I am most known for my work as a Weather Observer, acting as a Education Specialist is just as important. In this roll

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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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Words Captured Through A Camera Lens

October 1st, 2013|Comments Off on Words Captured Through A Camera Lens

Words Captured Through A Camera Lens 2013-10-01 19:10:31.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist Mount Washington Summit At Night I have been living on the summit for three years and this past week has been

Out With The Old To Prepare For The New

September 30th, 2013|Comments Off on Out With The Old To Prepare For The New

Out With The Old To Prepare For The New 2013-09-30 17:40:34.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist 'The Museum for 2013 is Nevermore' - Museum Raven In the spring of 2014, our summit museum will be

Marriage

September 29th, 2013|Comments Off on Marriage

Marriage 2013-09-29 23:48:24.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Becca and I bringing a bit of class to the summit. Every winter, we hire two interns - one for each shift. Back in the winter of

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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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