Podcast Summary: "Above the Clouds: Tales from a Mt. Washington Observer"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Off the Radar
• Host: Emily Gracey, Meteorologist at The National Weather Desk
• Episode: Above the Clouds: Tales from a Mt. Washington Observer
• Release Date: November 12, 2024

Introduction to Mount Washington

The episode opens with a vivid description of the extreme weather conditions atop Mount Washington, New Hampshire's notorious 6,288-foot peak known for having the world's worst weather. Emily Gracey sets the stage by highlighting Mount Washington's unique position as a meteorological laboratory where diverse air masses converge, creating unprecedented weather phenomena.

Interview with Charlie Lopresti

Emily Gracey welcomes her guest, Charlie Lopresti, the chief meteorologist at CBS13 FOX23 in Portland, Maine, and a former Mount Washington Observer. Charlie shares his excitement about discussing his unique experience working on Mount Washington, a role that not many TV meteorologists can claim.

Choosing a Career in Meteorology

Charlie recounts his early fascination with storms, sparked by his upbringing on a farm in southeastern Massachusetts. Memories of significant weather events like Hurricane Gloria and major nor'easters fueled his passion for meteorology. He pursued this interest academically at Plymouth State in New Hampshire, which led to an internship and subsequently a full-time position at the Mount Washington Observatory in May 2000.

Life and Work on Mount Washington

Charlie delves into the daily responsibilities of a Mount Washington Observer, emphasizing the challenges posed by the harsh environment. Observers are tasked with maintaining 24-hour weather observations despite extreme cold and fierce winds. "When you're walking into the wind and you have 100, 120 mile per hour wind coming at you, it's hard to breathe" (22:02), Charlie explains, highlighting the physical demands of the job.

Living in the Sherman Adams Building on the summit, Charlie describes a communal living situation with bunk beds, a kitchen, and a weather office. The isolation and monotony, such as dealing with eight days of continuous fog, can be mentally taxing, but the unique experiences, like witnessing the aurora borealis or stargazing in a pristine sky, provide a rewarding balance.

Extreme Weather Experiences

Charlie shares some of his most memorable weather events, including the infamous April 12, 1934, windstorm and a particularly intense cold front in February 2002 that saw temperatures drop from 37°F to -61°F within 24 hours, accompanied by winds gusting up to 145 mph. Reflecting on these experiences, he mentions, "That's all it was. Um, it was in 2002, it was February 10th. We had a high temperature of 37 degrees, which is very warm. It was a daily record high. And a cold front came through and the temperature dropped 61 degrees." (22:02)

Mount Washington's Unique Geography

The mountain’s rounded shape contributes to its extreme winds through phenomena like the Venturi and Bernoulli effects. Charlie explains how the relocation of the observatory from the southeastern to the northwestern corner might have affected the measurement of wind speeds, potentially leading to an underestimation of the strongest gusts.

Personal Anecdotes and Challenges

Charlie recounts personal stories from his time on Mount Washington, including the presence of cats like Inga and Nin, which provided companionship in the otherwise stark environment. He also discusses the physical and mental challenges of working in such a remote location, including the constant battle against ice accumulation on instruments. "There are some fun things you can do... But the Century Club was always seemed to elude me. I could never make it." (24:40)

Historic and Ongoing Research

The Mount Washington Observatory has been a cornerstone for meteorological research since 1932, contributing significantly to our understanding of wind patterns, ice formation, and climate trends. Charlie emphasizes the importance of continuous data collection for climate studies, stating, "I think climate studies are important and when you have that Arctic outposts that's perched 6,288ft above sea level, you're going to get an important data set that you normally would not have down at sea level." (28:26)

Transition to Television Meteorology

After nearly three years on Mount Washington, Charlie transitioned to a career in television meteorology. Without a Ph.D., he found his niche in forecasting and reporting, eventually securing a position at CBS13 FOX23 in Portland, Maine. The flexibility of his TV role now allows him to stay connected to his love for the outdoors, often skiing on weekends.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Charlie's move back to Maine was motivated by a desire for a balanced lifestyle, allowing him to remain close to the mountains and coast. He describes how his current forecast area encompasses southern and central Maine, western Maine mountains, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, presenting a unique forecasting challenge with diverse microclimates.

Closing Thoughts and Advocacy

Charlie wraps up by encouraging listeners to support and engage with the Mount Washington Observatory, highlighting its role in education and research. He invites people to visit their website and consider volunteering, underscoring the observatory's ongoing significance in meteorological science.

Notable Quotes:

• "When you're walking into the wind and you have 100, 120 mile per hour wind coming at you, it's hard to breathe." – Charlie Lopresti (22:02)
• "I could see for about 120 miles out my window, wow." – Charlie Lopresti (12:10)
• "I think climate studies are important and when you have that Arctic outposts that's perched 6,288ft above sea level, you're going to get an important data set that you normally would not have down at sea level." – Charlie Lopresti (28:26)

Conclusion

"Above the Clouds: Tales from a Mt. Washington Observer" offers an in-depth look into the life of a meteorologist working in one of the world's most extreme weather environments. Through Charlie Lopresti's experiences, listeners gain a greater appreciation for the dedication required to monitor and study weather patterns that have far-reaching impacts on our understanding of climate and weather forecasting.