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

1609, 2011

I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more…

adm_mwobs2011-09-16T18:06:40-04:00September 16th, 2011|Categories: Historical Posts|

I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more... 2011-09-16 18:06:40.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Meteorologist Gooooooaaaallllll! Stepping outside this afternoon, it feels like a whole different world. The skies are gray and the summit is coated in rime ice, glaze ice, sleet, and snow making it

1509, 2011

Freezing Temperatures and Rime Ice

adm_mwobs2011-09-15T17:23:34-04:00September 15th, 2011|Categories: Historical Posts|

Freezing Temperatures and Rime Ice 2011-09-15 17:23:34.000 - David Narkewicz, Summit Intern NULL Tonight is a very exciting night here at the Mount Washington Observatory. This evening temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing. This will give a solid chance for objects on the summit to experience

1409, 2011

Comments from Summit Volunteers

adm_mwobs2011-09-14T00:58:08-04:00September 14th, 2011|Categories: Historical Posts|

Comments from Summit Volunteers 2011-09-14 00:58:08.000 - Sandy Fisher & Sharon Camp, Summit Volunteers Sunrise On New Hampshire's highest peak, clouds come and go as do the view, hikers, tourists and even us as volunteers. This was our third year volunteering as cooks; each week spent on

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A Winter Surprise for Summer Summit Visitors

adm_mwobs2011-06-03T18:05:00-04:00June 3rd, 2011|Comments Off on A Winter Surprise for Summer Summit Visitors

A Winter Surprise for Summer Summit Visitors 2011-06-03 18:05:00.000 - Rick Giard, Educational Observer Winter Greets Summer Summit Visitors Yesterday winter suddenly returned to the summit with subfreezing temperatures, thick glaze icing and gusty winds.

More Crap

adm_mwobs2011-06-02T16:16:41-04:00June 2nd, 2011|Comments Off on More Crap

More Crap 2011-06-02 16:16:41.000 - Steve Welsh, IT Observer June? What a change from yesterday! Twenty four hours ago we were sweltering in the mid 50s and able to walk around comfortably outside in just

June 1st

adm_mwobs2011-06-01T22:25:44-04:00June 1st, 2011|Comments Off on June 1st

June 1st 2011-06-01 22:25:44.000 - Mike Carmon, Staff Meteorologist Berlin under seige June certainly managed to start with bang. It appeared in advance, even as early as a few days ago, that today's conditions would