MWOBS Weather Forecasts Expand Beyond the Higher Summits

By Alex Branton

One of the most utilized products provided by Mount Washington Observatory is the Higher Summits Forecast. This 48-hour forecast is written by MWOBS weather observers twice daily and is available for free on our website.

The Higher Summits Forecast is incredibly unique in that it is written by meteorologists specifically for the higher elevations of New Hampshire. The White Mountains often experience extreme weather, which can be drastically different than weather at the lower elevations. This makes the Higher Summits Forecast a valuable tool for those who venture into the White Mountains – hikers, skiers, climbers, etc. – in all seasons.

Partners like the Mount Washington State Park, Mount Washington Avalanche Center, Mt. Washington Auto Road, and the Mount Washington Cog Railway also rely on the Higher Summits Forecast for their daily operations, in addition to the U.S. Forest Service and Appalachian Mountain Club. Although MWOBS has been operating on the summit since 1932, the Higher Summits Forecast is a relatively new product that didn’t become available to the public until after the turn of the century.

And now, in 2025, we’re expanding MWOBS’ forecast coverage area to include the entire state of New Hampshire and a large portion of Vermont. 

MWOBS Forecast Coverage Area (2025)

As of Monday, March 31, MWOBS began providing weather insights to the entire state of New Hampshire through New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). MWOBS weather observers will provide NHPR listeners with daily weather updates every morning and afternoon with 36-hour forecasts. These forecasts will include all regions of New Hampshire and all elevations.

It is MWOBS’ and NHPR’s hope that these forecasts will offer practical, actionable information to help listeners prepare for everything from their morning commute to outdoor activities. These statewide forecasts can be heard during NHPR’s Morning Edition (5am – 10am), Here & Now (12pm- 2pm), and All Things Considered (4pm – 6:30pm).  You can hear my recent interview with Rick Ganley here. 

Beginning in February, the Observatory began partnering with Radio Vermont Group (RVG) to provide weather forecasts to Vermont’s Champlain Valley, Green Mountains, Northeast Kingdom, and Upper Valley. MWOBS weather observers now provide all RVG stations with daily weather updates every morning and afternoon.

In addition to 24-hour daily forecasts, a 48-hour weekend forecast are provided on Saturday and Sunday. These Vermont forecasts can be heard throughout the day every day of the week.

We are excited to expand our reach and to continue our mission to advance the understanding of Earth’s weather and climate beyond the White Mountain Region while sharing our unique perspective on weather from the summit of Mount Washington!