Mount Washington Observatory Observer Blog
Christmas Bomb Cyclone Sweeps through the Northeast
Christmas Bomb Cyclone Sweeps through the Northeast Strong winds and heavy snow came to Mount Washington just in time for Christmas thanks to a nasty bomb cyclone sweeping through the Northeast. I wrote this comment Christmas morning at our summit weather station, where sustained winds exceeded 100 mph. What is a bomb cyclone and how does it form? A bomb cyclone forms when two very different air masses interact. Commonly, a cold, arctic mass shifts down from the north and a warm airmass is drawn into the storm. This type of system is defined by how rapidly it intensifies,
New Trail Signs Meant to Improve Weather Safety in the White Mountains
New Trail Signs Meant to Improve Weather Safety in the White Mountains New signs at trail heads leading to upper elevations in the White Mountains state the following, WARNING: Weather Conditions At High Elevations May Be Dangerous. For information from the Mount Washington Observatory about weather conditions & high elevation forecasts, text "weather forecast" to 603-356-2137. A project led by Observatory Life Trustee Jack Middleton to design and print over 100 warning signs for display at White Mountain trailheads was recently completed. The bright yellow signs, printed on 1/8” sturdy metal, warn of potentially dangerous weather at higher elevations
It’s Cooler at the Top
It's Cooler at the Top Capturing the moment while doing field research below Mount Washington. There’s a lot that goes on at the summit of Mount Washington. As many know, one of Mount Washington Observatory’s core priorities is to observe the weather. Observers take an observation every single hour of the day, adding to our 90-year (and counting!) climate record and sharing our data to improve weather models for meteorologists, pilots, climbers, researchers, weather enthusiasts, and other communities. As the fall intern, I’ve been able to participate in this work, and have also learned how to write the twice-daily
Forecast Discussion is Key to Interpreting Complex Mountain Weather
Forecast Discussion is Key to Interpreting Complex Mountain Weather As a meteorologist, I’ve had opportunities to forecast for a wide variety of environments and audiences. From the roads of Vermont to the valleys of California and climbers ascending Mount Everest, I’ve learned a lot about forecasting. At least that’s what I believed before starting to predict the weather at New England’s highest summit. In my few months here, I’ve been humbled on several occasions when forecasting this mountain’s dynamic weather. Mount Washington has taken me to task. What I am going for here is not the sympathy of the
Returning to Mount Washington Observatory
Returning to Mount Washington Observatory Weather Observer & Education Specialist enjoys winter conditions on Sept. 24. Hello! My name is Alex Branton and I am a new Weather Observer & Education Specialist at Mount Washington Observatory. Although I am far from my home in Pensacola, FL, this is not my first time on the summit. Last summer, I was an intern here, and I fell in love with the job and the White Mountains. I am so excited to return and experience all the extreme weather Mount Washington has to offer. During September, I have experienced many “firsts” on
Septem-burrr!
Septem-burrr! 2022-09-25 20:07:59.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist The summit of Mount Washington has experienced freezing temperatures and rime/glaze ice three times (so far) this month. And with the recent cold snap, the summit also received some snow/sleet. When we posted images and videos about the cold, snow, and ice, a common comment each time was something along the lines of, “It seems early.” For valley locations around here, you would likely be correct. However, for mountainous terrain in NH, winter weather in September is common. In fact, for the summit of Mount Washington, September is the month
Meteorological Awe-tumn
Meteorological Awe-tumn 2022-09-20 15:08:56.000 - Sam Robinson, Weather Observer/Engineer September marks the beginning of meteorological autumn, which is my favorite season, especially on the summit. Variety is the theme for this season with a little bit of everything to be expected! We are just over half way through the month and we have already experienced a couple days reaching 60 degrees and a couple falling below freezing, with plenty of in between. Up on the summit, I have been lucky enough to already get a little taste of winter on two separate occasions. Very fittingly on the first day
No Granite on the Top of The Granite State?
No Granite on the Top of The Granite State? 2022-09-09 12:33:54.000 - Hayden Pearson, Weather Observer & Research Specialist While New Hampshire is known as The Granite State, there is actually no granite to be found on the summit of Mount Washington. This is a common misconception by many who visit New England’s highest peak. The majority of the bedrock that visitors see is in fact a Devonian metamorphic schist and quartzite of the Littleton Formation. This formation started out as eroded mud and sand deposits, at the bottom of an ancient ocean, which were then metamorphosed into the
Reflections on a Mount Washington Summer
Reflections on a Mount Washington Summer 2022-08-26 15:00:13.000 - Henry Moskovitz, Summit Intern Having concluded my summer internship at Mount Washington Observatory, I look back on a beautiful, exciting summer full of meaningful work, friendships, and laughter. I began my internship in early May with anxious excitement. This was an opportunity that I had dreamed about for a year and it was finally happening, but I felt nervous about fitting in and being comfortable in this new environment. Fortunately, Jay and Jackie (the observers on my first shift) helped me feel at home and got me working right away.
A Marine Biologist in the Mountains
A Marine Biologist in the Mountains 2022-08-15 14:34:28.000 - Naomi Lubkin, Summit Intern Summit Intern Naomi Lubkin on the observation deck. My first shift at the Observatory was a cold, clear day back in May, and what I remember most was the feeling of excitement and uncertainty. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew I was ready to learn, work, and live on the highest summit in the northeast. Having grown up just a little ways down the road in Bartlett, NH, I’ve always been familiar with Mount Washington. Part of my
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