Heading into a Summit Summer

2021-06-21 11:45:12.000 – Sam Robinson, Weather Observer/Engineer

 

The summit is usually always a busy place, but as we head into the summer season, the hustle and bustle really picks up. In the last few weeks, we have added 2 live forecast update videos, saw an increase in mountain activities (as well as visitors), and are making the final push for Seek the Peak! We have also been enjoying the nicer weather that comes with the summer season, as well as the lack of de-icing. With that being said, do not forget that the weather can be just as unpredictable and extreme during the summer months, and wintry weather is still very possible.

Keep up to date with our 48-hour higher summits forecast which is updated twice daily, as well as our Facebook live weekend weather update, which is back for the summer! Weekend warriors join us on Thursdays at 5PM EDT to get an update on the weather for the weekend ahead, as well as upcoming Observatory events and news. Along with the FB live program, we also do daily forecast updates on the morning radio show just before 8AM EDT on WMWV 93.5 FM, 7 days a week, as well as on White Mountain TV at 830AM EDT, on the weekends. It is crucial to be prepared and in-the-know when it comes to traveling to the alpine zone, as the World’s Worst Weather takes no seasons off.

As the weather trends warmer the mountain becomes much busier with activities and events. Our other Mount Washington neighbors, NH State Park, Mount Washington Auto Road, and the Cog Railway are all fully open for the season (more info can be found on their websites) and are each hosting their own events as well. At the time of this writing, the 60^th anniversary of the renowned Mount Washington Road Race is underway, and just last night the “Mini’s on Top” group had a sunset drive to the summit with approximately 4 dozen Mini-Coopers joining in. If planning to travel to the summit, especially on weekends, be sure to check out the M.W.A.R. and Cog Railway websites for information on any upcoming events, which may delay or close the routes to the top.

Besides our other friends here on the mountain, the Observatory also gets busier with the arrival of summer. Since the calmest, warmest weather occurs during the summer months, we take advantage of the improved conditions to do instrument maintenance, painting, and other general upkeep. Our winter storms windows were removed for the season, our heat turned down, and the repainting process has begun. The harsh winds and weather of the winter season takes its toll on painted surfaces and each year we like to touch them up to keep things looking presentable. We also take advantage of the weather to host our biggest annual fundraiser, Seek the Peak! This year things are going to be a bit different and we are super excited about it. In years past Seek the Peak has been hiking-oriented, but this year we decided to put on an Adventure Expo to incorporate more of the outdoor community that we are all a part of. This year’s expo will feature not just hiking but also biking, paddling, climbing, fishing, trail running, and even yoga! Along with these excellent outdoor activities, the expo will also feature a fair setup at the base of the auto road with vendors, food trucks, live music, and prize giveaways. This event is scheduled for July 16^th and 17^th so it is coming up very quickly. We encourage those interested in participating to register for the event ASAP! To register and learn more visit www.seekthepeak.org!

That is all I have, for now! I personally am enjoying the warmth so far this season but of course, I am looking forward to the next time snowflakes fly!

 

Sam Robinson, Weather Observer/Engineer