How Often Does This Happen?

2012-11-19 21:37:10.000 – Mike Dorfman,  Summit Intern

Length of Clear Spells on the Summit

Up here on the summit, what many would consider normal weather is unusual for us. We’ve been in the clear with calm winds for much of the last 5 days. Extended clearing on the summit in November hasn’t happened in the recent memory of many of the observers, so I decided to look into our weather archives to see how often clear spells like this occur on the summit.

As it turns out, the last span of five clear days in November happened in 2006, and before that in 1976. We have, in fact, never had a span longer than 5.75 completely clear days in November on the summit. I specify November because normally we are well on our way to wintery conditions, which typically include increasing snowfall and fogginess.

Conditions are not unusual solely because of the lack of the fog on the summit. Often this time of year, the summit is capped in snow and winter is in full swing. Instead, we currently have very dry conditions and relatively warm temperatures on the summit. Our average liquid precipitation for November is 10.49 inches, mostly falling in the form of snow, however we are falling behind with only 1.15 inches so far this month!

Let’s hope Mother Nature returns to the summit with fury soon!

Observer footnote: If you think you have what it takes to predict when wintry weather will hit the area, enter our snow contest. Purchase a ticket for $2 and register your prediction of the day and time that Jackson, New Hampshire will receive its first 6′ of snow in a single storm. If your prediction is correct, you’ll win half of the ticket sale proceeds! The other half will be split equally between the Observatory and Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Dorfman,  Summit Intern