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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

1103, 2012

Weekly Weather Summary March 4th – 10th

March 11th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Weekly Weather Summary March 4th - 10th 2012-03-11 21:17:21.000 - Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist NULL WEEKLY WEATHER SUMMARYMarch 4th - 10thAs is typical for the transitional month of March, this week featured both winter and early-spring-like conditions. The roller coaster ride of temperature swings

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1003, 2012

Spring?

March 10th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Spring? 2012-03-10 13:51:27.000 - Steve Welsh,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist The 'Sub' Door This morning was very spring like with deep blue skies above, a scattering of clouds below, calm winds and a warm sun shining down on what little snow we have left. The snow pack really

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903, 2012

Before and After the First March Thaw

March 9th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Before and After the First March Thaw 2012-03-09 17:26:37.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL It was beginning to look like March would save this peculiar winter.During the first five days of March, the summit crew measured a total of 19 inches of snow. Normally this wouldn't

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A Legacy 80 Years in the Making

November 17th, 2011|Comments Off on A Legacy 80 Years in the Making

A Legacy 80 Years in the Making 2011-11-17 02:48:16.000 - Scot Henley,  Executive Director A legacy 80 years in the making In just a little more than a month, the Observatory will celebrate its 80th

Precipitation Formation: Part One

November 16th, 2011|Comments Off on Precipitation Formation: Part One

Precipitation Formation: Part One 2011-11-16 17:06:58.000 - Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist NULL Last week the general theme for these remarks was cloud types. This week we shall focus on the most important

Busted Snow Light

November 15th, 2011|Comments Off on Busted Snow Light

Busted Snow Light 2011-11-15 20:58:50.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Rime on the Snow Light when it's working. Outside our northern set of windows, we have a light attached to a post which we refer

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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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