A view of the observation tower at sunrise on Oct. 24, captured by Weather Observer & Research Specialist Charlie Peachey.

Dear Member,

Winter may not yet have arrived where you live, but on Mount Washington the snow began falling two months ago. Now it’s even beginning to stick around. This season holds a unique place in our history and our hearts because it marks when four pioneers first began our observations on the summit in 1932.

Winter also marks the start of our Year-End Campaign. Few nonprofit organizations are as reliant as the Observatory is on member support. Throughout the past 91 years, you have sustained us through every winter storm, mountain forecast, hourly weather observation, and 7.6-mile snowcat trip to the summit. Thank you. Your gifts truly make our work possible.

We aim to augment your support to better serve our region and fulfill our mission. A few highlights illustrate the dramatic impact you are having:

• We launched new school-day, after-school, and virtual programs this fall with more than 800 backpacks containing weather stations and other goodies given to young students, thanks to you and generous funding from the Sheldon Family Estate.
• We will make data and research from a modernized and expanded Mount Washington Regional Mesonet publicly available to aid businesses and communities in planning for extreme weather and local changes to climate, thanks to you and new grant funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission and United States Environmental Protection Agency.
• We not only reported 8,760 hourly observations and published 1,460 specialized forecasts in the past year, but are working to expand our internship programs to operate jointly with the Appalachian Mountain Club and United States Forest Service’s Mount Washington Avalanche Center, thanks to you and Eversource Energy. This winter, we’ll launch new research programs for undergraduate students as well.

Please consider supporting us this holiday season, a time when your gift can make a real impact on our critical work. Any gift makes you a member. I hope you will give generously and join us as we sustain our legacy. And, as always, please reach out to me with your advice and suggestions if I can ever be of help to you.

Sincerely,

Drew Bush

Executive Director

OCTOBER WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

Highest Temperature

61 °F 

Lowest Temperature

15 °F

Fastest Wind Speed

92 MPH

Precipitation

10.36 IN

Complete monthly weather data can be viewed here. Those traveling to the White Mountains should expect to encounter winter-like conditions. Check the Higher Summits Forecast.

NEW PARTNER: Minus33

We are thrilled to announce Minus33 as a new partner and launch our collaborative, one-of-a-kind merino Mount Washington Summit Socks, made in Ashland, NH! Available for purchase at Minus33.com, 10% of sales will support our work in weather and climate science. These are now the Official Hiking Socks of Mount Washington Observatory, worn by our weather observers at the Home of the World’s Worst Weather. Minus33 makes premium merino wool socks, under- and outerwear. We are thankful for their support!

EduTrips Spots Are Still Available

There are still spaces left in our Feb. 5-6 Winter Ecology overnight EduTrip! Join Tin Mountain Conservation Center naturalist Matt Maloney as we consider the science of tree line and how trees survive at varying elevations in New Hampshire. Experience the summit of Mount Washington by spending a night in our weather station at 6,288′! See all 2024 Dates & Topics.

New Internship Will Focus on Avalanche and Weather Forecasting

We are excited to announce a first-of-its-kind, 16-week immersive internship in collaboration with the Mount Washington Avalanche Center (MWAC). Select undergraduate and graduate students will get hands-on experience at the MWAC and Observatory’s summit weather station, allowing meteorology students to apply their knowledge in challenging real-world scenarios. Stay tuned on news from the field!

Holiday Shop with Us

November is giving season, and our online store is stocked and ready for you! Shop souvenirs, calendars, photo gifts, and stunning prints by renowned mountaineer and photographer Brad Washburn (pictured), available exclusively on our website. You can also gift a membership for a loved one to receive member benefits, like a magazine subscription and free tours of the summit weather station.

Interning in the Clouds: My Mount Washington Odyssey

Fall intern Jordan Frate looks back at his time on the summit and highlights some of his first experiences, from shoveling snow to experiencing below 0° wind chill.

Upcoming Science in the Mountains: Health Impacts of Climate Change  

On November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m., we’ll be speaking with Deborah Gerson, MD, and Robert Dewey, MD, physicians representing the NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers. Topics will include the basics of climate science, how climate change impacts health, climate solutions, and suggested actions.

Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please send any feedback via email or call us at 603-356-2137. Mount Washington Observatory is a nonprofit research and educational institution. Our work in mountain meteorology and climate science relies on your financial support. Consider advancing our mission with a donation today.