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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

1507, 2013

Since when is Monday the day for tours?

July 15th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

Since when is Monday the day for tours? 2013-07-15 16:18:24.000 - Brian Fitzgerald,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist Meteorologist Mike Carmon showing the Hays Chart. Tours, Tours, Tours.As you may know, especially if you're a member, we offer free tours of our famous mountaintop weather station throughout the year

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1407, 2013

Mountain Prominence

July 14th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

Mountain Prominence 2013-07-14 19:02:02.000 - Tom Padham,  Summit Intern Mt. Washington Casting its Shadow to the SW Ever heard someone say a mountain is very 'prominent', but not know exactly what that means? That has certainly been the case for myself in the past, but after the

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1307, 2013

Seek the Peak on the Horizon

July 13th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

Seek the Peak on the Horizon 2013-07-13 14:25:58.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL Seek the Peak 2013, our 13th annual hike-a-thon, kicks off this coming Friday, July 19th!Seek the Peak is our largest fundraiser, so why not hike for a great cause?If you have not registered

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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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Why Are We Up Here?

March 22nd, 2013|Comments Off on Why Are We Up Here?

Why Are We Up Here? 2013-03-22 17:35:08.000 - Mike Dorfman,  Summit Intern Rime Ice Buildup on the Summit One of the many questions that we get up here on the summit is 'Why do you

Where’s the Road?

March 21st, 2013|Comments Off on Where’s the Road?

Where's the Road? 2013-03-21 22:12:14.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Drifted 5-mile The second time was the charm for yesterday's shift change.Coming up the Auto Road on Wednesday morning, after the summit had received another

Two Extremes

March 20th, 2013|Comments Off on Two Extremes

Two Extremes 2013-03-20 21:41:29.000 - Ed O'Malley,  Summit Volunteer NULL In preparing for this Mt. Washington volunteer week, I effectively went from one extreme of 'the world's worst weather' to another. My small, coastal hometown

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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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