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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

2005, 2012

Warm Temperatures, Light Winds, and Clear Skies

May 20th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Warm Temperatures, Light Winds, and Clear Skies 2012-05-20 16:23:49.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist The Summit is Open for the Season The Sherman Adams summit is bustling with excitement again today as visitors from all over make the ascent via the different modes of transportation. The

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1905, 2012

The Commencement of Summer

May 19th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

The Commencement of Summer 2012-05-19 23:21:59.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Dawn The sun rose at 5:08 am this morning, signaling the dawn of a new epoch.I'm alluding to the unofficial start of the summertime here on Mt. Washington.For the first time this season, the Mt. Washington

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1805, 2012

First Week on The Summit

May 18th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

First Week on The Summit 2012-05-18 16:45:12.000 - Will Broussard,  Outreach Educator View out the Office Windows This was my first visit to New England's highest peak, and to the observatory hunkering bravely 6,288 feet above sea level. We arrived on Monday to a windy and fogged-in

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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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Notes From a Volunteer

January 24th, 2012|Comments Off on Notes From a Volunteer

Notes From a Volunteer 2012-01-24 23:05:52.000 - Paul Goundrey,  Summit Volunteer My previous trips up for a volunteer shift have been planned well in advance and I had a real sense of excitement and anticipation,

Summit Crew Celebrates National Pie Day

January 23rd, 2012|Comments Off on Summit Crew Celebrates National Pie Day

Summit Crew Celebrates National Pie Day 2012-01-23 21:57:31.000 - Roger Pushor,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist Three Pies entered in the Summits contest For any of you who haven't heard today is National Pie Day. As it

Skiing the East Snowfields

January 22nd, 2012|Comments Off on Skiing the East Snowfields

Skiing the East Snowfields 2012-01-22 23:01:13.000 - Brian Clark,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL As is usually the case for me, when the weather and work load allow, I like to get outside on the mountain

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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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