Home of the World’s Worst Weather!
“If you would feel the full force of a tempest, take up residence on the top of Mount Washington!”
Much has changed since Henry David Thoreau wrote about Mount Washington’s dramatic and unpredictable weather in 1839, but the weather certainly hasn’t. On a clear day visitors enjoy spectacular panoramic views from Quebec to the Atlantic Ocean, or they may experience a taste of the “World’s Worst Weather”– it can snow on the summit even in summer! Weather is definitely the story on this mountain.
The first weather station on the summit was operated by the U.S. Signal Service from 1870–1892. The modern observatory was founded in 1932, and on April 12, 1934, the highest surface wind speed ever directly observed by man was recorded at the summit: 231mph! The highest temperature ever recorded at the summit is 72º (F), and the lowest, not including wind chill was… -47º!
Today, the summit is home to the Mount Washington Weather Observatory, one of the first mountaintop weather stations in the world. The Observatory does important weather and climate research and is staffed 24/7/365 by two alternating crews of meteorologists who live on the summit for a week at a time.
As detailed on their website, the Observatory’s mission is to “advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate by performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region.”
“Weather observations are reported to the National Weather Service for use in nationwide forecasting models and regional reports, and Observatory scientists produce specialized forecasts for the higher summits of the White Mountains and greater White Mountains region.” The Observatory’s real time weather information is vital for hikers and backcountry winter sports enthusiasts.
Extreme Mount Washington, a terrific interactive museum on the Visitor Center’s lower level, provides visitors with fascinating information about the mountain’s unique environment.
We are proud to partner with the Observatory and we encourage our visitors to help support their important work with a tax deductible donation.
