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

1011, 2012

Snowfall Contest

adm_mwobs2012-11-10T17:51:22-05:00November 10th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Snowfall Contest 2012-11-10 17:51:22.000 - Rebecca Scholand, Weather Observer/Education Specialist Jackson Covered Bridge As winter is engulfing the summit and starting to spread into the valley, the Mount Washington Observatory has partnered with the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce (JACC) for a snowfall contest.Tickets for this event

911, 2012

Transition Season on the Summit

adm_mwobs2012-11-09T21:24:43-05:00November 9th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Transition Season on the Summit 2012-11-09 21:24:43.000 - Roger Pushor, Weather Observer/IT Specialist Ready and waiting for EduTrippers November is a quiet transitional month here on the Summit. The Auto Road is closed to the public, the Cog Railway hasn't come to the Summit for a week

811, 2012

Intern/Meteorologist/Chef?

adm_mwobs2012-11-08T22:30:27-05:00November 8th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Intern/Meteorologist/Chef? 2012-11-08 22:30:27.000 - Stephen Lanciani, Summit Intern The philosophy of the Observatory kitchen As we begin to enter the winter season here on the summit, many changes begin to take place not only with the weather, but also with staffing at the Observatory. Our weekly staff

Previous 636637638 Next

Support Us

Mount Washington Observatory is a nonprofit research and educational institution working to advance understanding of Earth’s weather and climate.

We cannot do this without your support!

VOLUNTEER

DONATE NOW

MWO Summit Adventures

adm_mwobs2012-07-25T22:44:59-04:00July 25th, 2012|Comments Off on MWO Summit Adventures

MWO Summit Adventures 2012-07-25 22:44:59.000 - Mike Carmon, Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL Looking for a unique summertime adventure?Interested in Mt. Washington, and want to learn more?How about a gift for the upstart meteorologist in the family?Our

Cookie Baking Monster!

adm_mwobs2012-07-24T22:39:58-04:00July 24th, 2012|Comments Off on Cookie Baking Monster!

Cookie Baking Monster! 2012-07-24 22:39:58.000 - Dennis Vienneau, Summit Volunteer After many, many weeks of anticipation, another volunteer week is quickly coming to an end. Weather on the summit this week has run the gamut

A natural light show

adm_mwobs2012-07-24T00:39:37-04:00July 24th, 2012|Comments Off on A natural light show

A natural light show 2012-07-24 00:39:37.000 - Brian Clark, Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL This evening, a very impressive and strong line of thunderstorms moved through New England, hitting Mount Washington just after dinner time. As