Dear Member,
The beginning of February was one for the record books, literally. On Feb. 4, the Observatory tied our weather station’s all-time low temperature of 47° F below.
Excitement grew as the summit transitioned from a warm January into the White Mountains’ statistically coldest and snowiest month. Several days out, there were signals of a very deep upper-level low, which usually brings high winds and cold temperatures. This system seemed to have unusual depth, and our forecast held true through the event.
Winds were forecasted to gust well over 100 mph, with air temperatures expected near 50° F below. The summit team was in for one doozy of a storm, and it delivered!
Temperatures and snowfall decreased Friday, Feb. 3, as the cold front passed. By mid-afternoon, measurements had fallen 50° from the 5° above that was recorded at our 1:00 a.m. synoptic observation, putting the ambient air temperature at 45° below with wind gusts upwards of 110 mph.
The summit crew performed admirably, with tenacity and dedication to the history and continuation of our 90-year dataset. The care and determination to keep each other safe while recording every interval during this wild and gnarly event are immensely valued. It’s these types of moments that commemorate the comradery and re-invigorate the purpose of our summit team and support.
Congratulations, and job well done, from this past Observer and currently proud Director!
Sincerely,
