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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

804, 2013

Up-And-Down Week

April 8th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

Up-And-Down Week 2013-04-08 14:39:09.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Wavy Clouds on Sunday Morning We've had some fairly up-and-down weather this shift.When we arrived (a day late, no dollars short) on Thursday, the summit was fully in the clear, with temperatures about normal (mid to upper teens),

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604, 2013

From one friend to another.

April 6th, 2013|Categories: Historical Posts|

From one friend to another. 2013-04-06 13:33:12.000 - Charlie Hawkins,  Summit Volunteer Friends This is my third time volunteering on the summit. The first two times were with my best friend Brad Bradstreet. Brad always loved being on top of the highest place in the north east

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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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All Things Come to an End

December 9th, 2012|Comments Off on All Things Come to an End

All Things Come to an End 2012-12-09 17:50:33.000 - Stephen Lanciani,  Summit Intern A sample of my experiences Time flies when you're living on a mountain, that's how it goes...right? The time has come for

Back into the Fog

December 8th, 2012|Comments Off on Back into the Fog

Back into the Fog 2012-12-08 22:14:38.000 - Roger Pushor,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist NULL After a couple of near perfect days here on the Summit with clear skies, low winds and moderate temperatures for this time

My First Winter Overnight Since Joining the Observatory

December 7th, 2012|Comments Off on My First Winter Overnight Since Joining the Observatory

My First Winter Overnight Since Joining the Observatory 2012-12-07 17:38:14.000 - Krissy Fraser,  Development Coordinator EMS Crew out for a Hike My first winter overnight trip since joining the Obs team in June - good

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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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Did you know you can text ‘weather’ and ‘forecast’ to 603-356-2137 for current weather and conditions?
Alternatively, you can enable our Historical Weather Alexa Skill, or our Alexa Flash Briefing Audio forecast.

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