Dog Days of spring

2008-04-18 14:26:54.000 – Stacey Kawecki,  Observer

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50 and 8.1

These numbers are the high temperature and average wind speed for yesterday, respectively. Is this a mistake? Was it really that warm and calm on the summit? I know I’m used to seeing those numbers switched: 8.1 degrees F and 50 mph winds. Spring has revealed herself on the summit, in a rather summer-like fashion.

Snow pants have been replaced by sturdy Carharts. Coats were scarce and sunglasses were flashing reflections of the brilliant sunlight as they replaced goggles on observers’ heads. As we spent some time out on the observation deck, drinking in the warmth, practically sunbathing, we watched an anemometer that we’re testing stop for a few minutes, a small three-cup anemometer stopped. We had completely calm winds for a very short period of time yesterday. While we were soaking up the rays, we had a couple of exceedingly enjoyable experiences.

The first: We received a phone call bright and early from one of the Snow Cat operators, asking about the winds, and letting us know he would be flying by the summit in his plane at 0800 EST (0900 EDT). So, right after the observation, we all headed outside to wave to our friend Pete Roberts.

It was so calm we could hear the small plane from quite a distance. As he flew overhead, he tipped the wings a little, waving to those of us who were out on the deck. He proceeded to fly overhead a few times, each time waving with the wings. We all waved back, with vigor.

Another event: We heard the signature song of the Chickadee. That is a true sound of spring. The first time I heard that song this year was precisely one month ago, on St. Patrick’s Day, while on a ski lift at the Cranmore Ski Resort. It seems that this pleasant weather will hold for a little while, surprisingly. High pressure that has been building will remain in place, and the low pressure system that is developing west and moving east will be pushed to our south. The result: continuing clear, fogless, sunny, nearly windless days at the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”.

Stacey Kawecki,  Observer