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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

2106, 2013

Alex Carne observer comment

June 21st, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

Alex Carne observer comment 2013-06-21 18:43:52.000 - Alex Carne,  Summit Intern June 21st sunrise Today is an exciting day, it is the summer solstice for the northern hemisphere! The summer solstice marks the first day of summer, and is the longest day of the year here on

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2006, 2013

A Super Weekend Ahead

June 20th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

A Super Weekend Ahead 2013-06-20 18:32:32.000 - Kaitlyn O`Brien,  Summit Intern Afternoon shot of the Northern Presidentials It was an absolutely gorgeous day today on the summit; the best weather I've seen yet! (Ok I'll admit it, I think those 120 mph wind gusts that I was

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1906, 2013

The Longest Days Ahead

June 19th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

The Longest Days Ahead 2013-06-19 22:44:24.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL Another week on this summit has begun and it looks like we have good weather in store for us. This will be helpful while trying to accomplish tasks outside in preparation for the fast

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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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Aliens, Snow, and Food = Good Times!

March 4th, 2013|Comments Off on Aliens, Snow, and Food = Good Times!

Aliens, Snow, and Food = Good Times! 2013-03-04 23:12:58.000 - Dave MacKenzie,  Summit Volunteer NULL So here I am on top of the 'Rock Pile' (sometimes known as Mt. Washington). Being indoors a bit this

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March 3rd, 2013|Comments Off on Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever 2013-03-03 18:22:23.000 - Michael Kyle,  Summit Intern NULL For the past four day's fog has engulfed the summit. Repetitive forecasts have made the days long and redundant, leaving some of us with a

Staying On The Summit

March 2nd, 2013|Comments Off on Staying On The Summit

Staying On The Summit 2013-03-02 23:07:59.000 - Roger Pushor,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist NULL There are a couple of good options if you'd like to spend an overnight on the summit of Mount Washington. There are

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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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