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

1704, 2013

A New Day, Some Familiar Faces

adm_mwobs2013-04-17T17:10:25-04:00April 17th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

A New Day, Some Familiar Faces 2013-04-17 17:10:25.000 - Tom Padham, Summit Intern NULL Shift change day today saw a few additional faces: some new, some old, and even a bit of both. Today is the beginning of my second summer internship at the summit of Mount

1604, 2013

Notes From A Volunteer

adm_mwobs2013-04-16T19:32:33-04:00April 16th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

Notes From A Volunteer 2013-04-16 19:32:33.000 - Patti and Steve Chappell, Summit Volunteers Some Rime Up Close. After numerous times volunteering in the summer, we've finally done a 'winter' week! Some aspects of this week were similar to those in the summer (same food in the pantry,

1504, 2013

Beautiful Day

adm_mwobs2013-04-15T17:17:12-04:00April 15th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

Beautiful Day 2013-04-15 17:17:12.000 - Rebecca Scholand, Weather Observer/Education Specialist Looking to Wildcat It is a spectacular day on the summit! The sun is shining, winds are calm, and visibility is at it's peak. On days like today being outside for observations is a welcomed part of

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adm_mwobs2012-12-19T02:36:43-05:00December 19th, 2012|Comments Off on Volunteer Comments

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Love our forecasts and webcams? Show us some love in return!

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Precipitation Type Forecasting

adm_mwobs2012-12-16T23:22:32-05:00December 16th, 2012|Comments Off on Precipitation Type Forecasting

Precipitation Type Forecasting 2012-12-16 23:22:32.000 - Mike Carmon, Weather Observer/Meteorologist Tuesday's Culprit Although forecasting is an enjoyable challenge for me, when it comes to matters such as precipitation type forecasting, things can get decidedly dicey.