The Commencement of Summer

2012-05-19 23:21:59.000 – Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist

Dawn

The sun rose at 5:08 am this morning, signaling the dawn of a new epoch.

I’m alluding to the unofficial start of the summertime here on Mt. Washington.

For the first time this season, the Mt. Washington Auto Road opened its asphalt in its entirety–up to the summit! The Sherman Adams building opened its doors to the public as well, allowing visitors to stream in from outdoors.

The weather could not have cooperated more, as temperatures soared to a maximum of 57F under plentiful sunshine, while winds hovered in the 5-20 mph range. This was more than enough to draw up scores of visitors from the Auto Road, the Cog, and the trails.

Opening weekend will conclude tomorrow with even more agreeable conditions, with record-breaking high temperatures a distinct possibility as the mercury soars into the lower 60s. A gust of wind will be difficult to come by on the summit tomorrow, as models are indicating winds averaging no more than 7 mph through the daylight hours.

It’s weather like this that makes the moniker ‘home of the world’s worst weather’ seem to be more of a misnomer. Considering, though, the long and arduous winters that we endure as year-round employees of the summit, this stretch of tranquility is more than a welcome change of pace. Being the night observer, I was able to get out this afternoon for a hike to Mt. Clay. If tomorrow’s forecast holds fast, I will most certainly be making my way to some other nearby peak!

Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist