“Short

2006-06-23 10:08:27.000 – Christy Schultz,  Summit Intern

A break in the clouds…

Even after living at the summit for month, I never cease to be amazed at how quickly the weather changes up here on Mount Washington. Yesterday was a prime example: We began the morning in the clear, and if you didn’t know any better, it would be easy to assume that it would be pleasant and fog-free for the remainder of the day. Luckily, our forecast was correct, so when we saw the clouds lowering and went into the fog around 9am it was no surprise to the summit crew. A large portion of our visitors, however, were not aware of or prepared for this rapid shift. On more than one tour I heard a few, “Shorts were not a good idea today!”

Although it was predicted for the summit to dry out a bit and break out of the clouds later in the afternoon, it was remarkable how quickly it occurred. While taking a quiet moment to read a book in our living quarters beneath the observatory, I was suddenly dazzled by sunshine as it streamed in through the window above me. Grabbing jackets and cameras, our volunteers and I rushed up through the tower and out to the observation deck to behold the best views we had experienced all day. Still in and out of the clouds, we were able to get a glimpse of the rest of the Presidential range and the surrounding valley.

So whether you’re wearing shorts or see we’re in the fog and can’t make it to the summit, the Weather Discovery Center located in North Conway is a great way to learn more about Mount Washington and our extreme weather. You can also talk to the summit crew remotely in our show ‘Live from the Rockpile’, which is broadcast twice daily.

Christy Schultz,  Summit Intern