First snow of the season recorded atop Mount Washington
NORTH CONWAY, N.H. - Winter is just around the corner in New England. The Mount Washington Observatory reported its first measurable snow of the season this week.
It was only 0.1 inches, but it came nearly a month earlier than last year's first measurable snow on Oct. 8.
The observatory said the summit was below freezing for nearly 36 hours, and researchers at the top worked overnight to make sure the heater on the wind vane would keep instruments warm enough to record the weather. Photos posted to social media show the icy scene on the mountain.
(1/3)Early season icing events call for all hands on deck at the observatory! To prepare for our most recent bout of wintry weather, weather observers Karl, Francis, and this season's intern, Ingrid, worked well into the night to ensure the heater on our wind vane would... pic.twitter.com/T5XsBVs93e
— Mount Washington Observatory (MWO) (@MWObs) September 9, 2024
Mount Washington summit forecast
There's no snow in the summit forecast for this week, but hikers are still advised to dress warm.
"The stiff winds on Tuesday and Tuesday night will make it feel closer to freezing on exposed skin, and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia," observatory meteorologist Ryan Knapp wrote. "So, while neighboring valleys and trailheads will be mild and conditions will continue to improve compared to earlier this week, anyone heading up into the mountains should continue to pack proper layers and gear to accommodate the expected fall-like conditions."
Summer-like weather returns in Massachusetts
Further south in Boston, the city hasn't seen measurable precipitation in nearly three weeks. The dry stretch should continue for several more days.
And while the weather has had a fall feel to it recently, temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s by the end of the week.