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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

506, 2012

A Visit from Marty

June 5th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

A Visit from Marty 2012-06-05 22:31:07.000 - Samantha Brady,  Summit Museum Supervisor A hard-working cat Summer has finally arrived here at the Mount Washington Observatory. The Auto Road isrunning all day, the cog is now running every hour, the Sherman Adams building is open to hikers, and

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406, 2012

Free Access to Premium Content Through July 4

June 4th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Free Access to Premium Content Through July 4 2012-06-04 09:46:41.000 - Abby Blackburn,  Membership & Events Coordinator Did you know that supporting members of the Observatory have access to incredible sunrise and sunset videos from our webcams, a special video blog from our summit crew, and more?We

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206, 2012

Meow

June 2nd, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Meow 2012-06-02 16:53:39.000 - Marty,  Summit Cat Daily Bath It has been quite some time since I updated you on my life here on the summit of Mount Washington. Since today is most defiantly an indoor day I can spare a few minutes between naps to fill

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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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Forecasting Woes

February 13th, 2012|Comments Off on Forecasting Woes

Forecasting Woes 2012-02-13 23:58:49.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Oh, well hello there. Is it time for me to talk with you again already? Since my shift-mates haven't stepped into this role today, I suppose

True Arctic Air Invades the Higher Summits

February 12th, 2012|Comments Off on True Arctic Air Invades the Higher Summits

True Arctic Air Invades the Higher Summits 2012-02-12 19:57:12.000 - Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist Wind Chill Index Chart A WIND CHILL WARNING IS IN EFFECT ON THE HIGHER SUMMITS...Can this be winter

In today’s observer comment, one intern explores why he has to shovel even when it doesn’t snow.

February 11th, 2012|Comments Off on In today’s observer comment, one intern explores why he has to shovel even when it doesn’t snow.

In today's observer comment, one intern explores why he has to shovel even when it doesn't snow. 2012-02-11 17:34:58.000 - Brian Fitzgerald,  Summit Intern Snow being transported across the summit. As the summit intern and

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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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