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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

2009, 2012

Circus Vs. Observer

September 20th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Circus Vs. Observer 2012-09-20 19:56:15.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist Can you spot the three modes of transportation? Last night the temperature on the Summit reached 27 degrees and I woke to frost covering the rocks outside. A welcome sight for me as I love winter

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1909, 2012

Night Lights

September 19th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Night Lights 2012-09-19 23:06:14.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL The summit at night is a completely different experience than the daytime scene.Having been a summit employee for over four years, I've seen my fair share of fascinating phenomena. But I can say, without hesitation, that the

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1809, 2012

Thoughts From Our Volunteers

September 18th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Thoughts From Our Volunteers 2012-09-18 17:38:51.000 - Patty and Wendy,  Summit Volunteers NULL As first time volunteers at the Mount Washington Observatory we quickly learned to be flexible... from using available food supplies, getting used to our inexperience with high altitude cooking, learning how to host guests,

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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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First Day on the Summit

May 31st, 2012|Comments Off on First Day on the Summit

First Day on the Summit 2012-05-31 16:32:11.000 - Emanuel Janisch,  Summit Intern Clouds on the summit What a beautiful view from atop Mount Washington this morning. My name is Emanuel Janisch and I am one

Volunteer Comments

May 30th, 2012|Comments Off on Volunteer Comments

Volunteer Comments 2012-05-30 23:28:31.000 - Jan Berriochoa,  Summit Volunteer NULL Phenomenal week!!I took this opportunity at the MWO to better understand the area and the weather that the summit encounters. This was an educational experience

Volunteer Reflections

May 29th, 2012|Comments Off on Volunteer Reflections

Volunteer Reflections 2012-05-29 21:15:31.000 - Noreen McGrath,  Summit Volunteer The summit patio view. What can I say about my week volunteering for the MWO crew at the peak of Mt. Washington? Lots of people I

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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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Alternatively, you can enable our Historical Weather Alexa Skill, or our Alexa Flash Briefing Audio forecast.

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